Managing laptop and computers can be time-consuming for any business, but small businesses often feel the strain more than most. With limited resources, people having to set up new devices or rebuild them is a time drain when they could be doing something more productive.
This is where Microsoft AutoPilot comes in. It’s a powerful tool that simplifies the way new devices are set up and managed. It might be seen as a ‘big company’ level tool, but really its accessible to almost every business.
Microsoft AutoPilot is a cloud-based service that allows businesses to configure and customise Windows devices before they even reach the user’s desk. Traditionally, when a new laptop or PC was purchased, it would need to be unboxed, manually set up by the IT team or the person who has landed that role if there is no IT, configured with the right settings, installed with software and then deployed to the employee. AutoPilot puts this process in the bin!
Instead of spending hours on each machine, devices can be shipped directly to employees who can automatically set themselves up the first time the computer is turned on, connecting to your company’s settings, apps and security policies through the cloud. They can even be rebuilt in the same way if someone leaves or a device just needs a rebuild.
AutoPilot saves time. The person who “knows about computers” no longer has to physically touch every machine. As soon as a user signs in with their Microsoft 365 account, the device configures itself, applying all the settings and installing required applications.
Security is another major advantage. Devices can be locked down with the correct policies from the moment they first connect to the internet. It also makes it harder for devices to be lost or stolen during deployment, as each device is tied to your company and can’t easily be repurposed by someone else so its perfect if you have remote staff!
The setup is also fairly simple and doesn’t cost much at all. You can often make a saving after just a few device builds! Licensing is included if you are on M365 Business Premium (which brings so many advantages you probably should be)!
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