Windows Autopilot: Overcome Higher Education Device Deployment Challenges

With the proliferation of personal and university-owned devices (desktops, laptops, notebooks, mobile devices) in higher education, IT leaders struggle to support them across campuses. Due to the rise of hybrid and remote learning, faculty, staff and students heavily rely on these devices to access educational resources. The task of ensuring compliance and juggling security and the user experience can be tedious and time-consuming. Provisioning devices manually to ensure that educators, staff and students' devices are up to date and running smoothly stretches IT teams thin, leaving little room for innovation and strategic initiatives.

Windows Autopilot can help automate many of these tasks, simplifying and streamlining device deployment. Learn how this powerful tool can streamline your IT operations, improve the user experience and free up valuable time for your staff.

Windows Autopilot is a collection of technologies designed to simplify the deployment and management of new devices, getting them ready for productive use. By automating the configuration and setup process, Autopilot allows devices to be ready to use right out of the box. Key features include:

• Automated device provisioning
• Remote setup
• Integration with Microsoft Intune for ongoing management
• Baseline security standards enforcement
• Reduced tech support
• Regular updates and patches
• Support for existing devices

Here are some of the ways your organization can reap the benefits of Windows Autopilot.

Streamline IT Operations
One of the most significant benefits of Windows Autopilot is its ability to streamline IT operations. Some universities don’t have a set up that involves automated device provisioning and they have to rely on a more manual process. In such cases, IT directors look for additional services to help streamline and complement their existing manual processes. By automating repetitive tasks, Autopilot frees up time for IT staff, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives, and it improves the way they manage and support their device fleet.

Windows Autopilot offers the groundbreaking ability to deploy devices with zero touch, thanks to its deep integration with Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) solution. This forward-thinking approach redefines the setup process by allowing IT administrators to configure and manage devices remotely before they even reach the end user. Through Intune, devices can be pre-enrolled in an organization’s system, with all necessary applications, settings and security policies already in place.

Additionally, the device is not specifically assigned to an end user. Consequently, it becomes easier to provide support and maintain flexibility in relocating resources as needed. If a device malfunctions, a new device can be provided or the existing one can be exchanged for a loaner, ensuring continued access to all data. This is due to the cloud-based nature of the system and the delivery of resources via profiles, provided all procedures are executed accurately.

Upon device power-up, users experience a seamless transition as everything is configured automatically, eliminating the need for on-site IT intervention.

Ensure Security and Compliance
Maintaining security and compliance is a top priority. Autopilot, alongside Microsoft Intune, helps enforce consistent security policies, ensuring devices are always up to date with the latest security patches and configurations and minimizing potential vulnerabilities.

Improve User Experience
A seamless and frictionless user experience is essential for students, faculty and staff. Through its integration with Intune, Autopilot ensures that devices are pre-configured and ready to use straight out of the box, reducing the time and effort required to get up and running. This also allows learning and teaching to continue without disruption because users have uninterrupted access to the latest technology and crucial educational resources.

Support a Diverse Range of Devices
Windows Autopilot empowers IT managers with the flexibility to support an extensive array of devices spanning multiple manufacturers. This capability is instrumental in higher education, where a varied device inventory is commonplace. By enabling seamless integration across different brands and models, Autopilot ensures that institutions are not limited to a single hardware vendor. This vendor-agnostic approach allows IT managers to make strategic choices based on performance, cost or specific departmental needs without compromising on deployment efficiency or security standards.

Setting up Windows Autopilot successfully requires careful planning and consideration. Here are five steps to get you started:

1. Assess Your Current Infrastructure
Before implementing Autopilot, assess your current IT infrastructure. Identify any gaps or areas that need improvement to ensure a smooth transition. Are there any Wi-Fi or network needs?

2. Migrate Identities to the Cloud
For Autopilot to work effectively, migrate user identities to the cloud using Microsoft Entra ID. This step ensures seamless user authentication and access to resources.

3. Set Up Your Microsoft 365 Tenant
Configure your Microsoft 365 tenant to support Autopilot and Intune. This step includes setting up policies, applications and configurations needed for device management.

4. Enroll Devices Using Autopilot
Enroll your devices in Autopilot by registering their hardware IDs in the Autopilot deployment service. This step ensures that devices receive the correct configurations and policies during the setup process.

Autopilot can also be used to deploy the latest version of Windows on existing, eligible devices. A readiness assessment can help. A trusted IT partner like CDW offers a Windows 11 readiness assessment to guide you through the entire migration process.

5. Deploy Applications and Policies With Intune
Use Microsoft Intune to deploy applications and policies to your devices. This action ensures that all devices are up to date and compliant with your institution's security standards.

Navigating the complexities of large-scale deployments can be challenging. CDW offers consultation and comprehensive services to help educational institutions manage their device fleets effectively.

Here's how CDW can assist:

Consultation and Service Delivery
CDW provides expert consultation to help you plan and implement your client device provisioning and deployment strategy. Their team of professionals can guide you through the entire process of your Windows Autopilot device preparation, from initial setup to the migration work and ongoing management.

CDW's highly trained and certified technicians can provision devices for all major operating systems. With decades of experience in supporting educational technology solutions, CDW is adept at helping institutions leverage innovative tools like Windows Autopilot to enhance their IT infrastructure and deploy hundreds of devices with minimal admin interaction.

Services and Ongoing Support
Additional services include project management, BIOS updates and customizations, domain join, hard drive encryption, asset tagging and reporting, inserts and kitting, Windows imaging, Autopilot and Intune provisioning, Apple and Android provisioning, and Chromebook provisioning. And, we provide ongoing support to ensure your devices remain secure and up to date. Our team is always available to address any issues or concerns that may arise.

Windows Autopilot is a powerful tool that can transform device deployment in higher education. By automating the setup and configuration process, Autopilot streamlines IT operations, reduces the burden on your IT team, ensures security and compliance, and improves the overall user experience. Partnering with CDW can help you navigate the complexities of large-scale deployments and provide the ongoing support your institution needs, so you can maximize your existing investments.

Windows Autopilot is a powerful tool that can transform device deployment in higher education. By automating the setup and configuration process, Autopilot streamlines IT operations, reduces the burden on your IT team, ensures security and compliance, and improves the overall user experience. Partnering with CDW can help you navigate the complexities of large-scale deployments and provide the ongoing support your institution needs, so you can maximize your existing investments.