Microsoft 365 Endpoint AdministratorDeploy Windows client (25-30%)Medium
A company is planning to deploy Windows 11 to 500 new devices. The devices will be provisioned by an external vendor and shipped directly to users. Users will complete the initial setup process. The company needs to ensure that all devices are automatically enrolled into Microsoft Intune and have corporate policies applied before users gain full access. Which deployment method should the company choose?
- AIn-place upgrade
- BSide-by-side migration
- CWindows Autopilot pre-provisioning
- DBare-metal deployment
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Windows Autopilot pre-provisioning
Windows Autopilot pre-provisioning (formerly white glove) allows partners or IT staff to pre-provision a Windows PC, so it is fully configured and business-ready when the user receives it. This includes Intune enrollment and policy application before the user logs in.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. In-place upgrade is for upgrading existing OS versions on current devices, not for new device provisioning.
- B. Side-by-side migration involves deploying a new device and migrating user data, but doesn't inherently cover vendor pre-provisioning and automatic Intune enrollment for new devices.
- D. Bare-metal deployment involves installing the OS from scratch, often requiring IT intervention for each device and not automatically handling Intune enrollment in this scenario.
Windows Autopilot Pre-provisioning
A feature of Windows Autopilot that allows partners or IT staff to pre-provision a Windows device, so it arrives fully configured and business-ready for the end-user, including Intune enrollment and policy application.
- Designed for new devices.
- Enables vendor/partner pre-configuration.
- Ensures device is business-ready upon user receipt.
- Automatically enrolls devices into Intune and applies policies.
Memory trick: Automated Pre-provisioning Makes Device Delivery Seamless