Joining a PC to Azure AD, implementing Autopilot, and configuring device profiles involves several steps. This process streamlines the deployment and management of Windows devices in an Azure AD environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prerequisites:
- Ensure that you have the necessary permissions in your Azure AD and Intune environments.
- Make sure the Windows 10 or later PC is connected to the internet.
- Verify that Autopilot is properly set up in your organization’s Azure AD tenant.
2. Prepare the Windows Device:
- Unbox the Windows device and power it on.
- Connect it to a network with internet access.
- Complete the initial setup steps until you reach the “Sign in with your Microsoft account” screen.
3. Join the Device to Azure AD:
- At the “Sign in with your Microsoft account” screen, click “Domain join instead.”
- Enter the Azure AD credentials (username and password) of a user with permission to join devices to Azure AD.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the Azure AD join process.
4. Confirm Azure AD Join:
- After successful Azure AD join, the device should be labeled as “Azure AD joined” in the system settings.
5. Implement Autopilot:
- Autopilot can be set up at the time of device purchase or retroactively through the Intune portal.
- To set up Autopilot retroactively, go to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) portal:a. Sign in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin console.b. Go to “Devices” > “Enrollment profiles.”c. Create a new Autopilot enrollment profile, configuring settings such as deployment mode, language, and region.d. Assign the Autopilot profile to the device or device group you want to enroll using Autopilot.
6. Apply Device Configuration Profiles:
- After Autopilot enrollment, you can apply device configuration profiles to customize settings on the device. These profiles can be created and managed in the Intune portal:a. In the Intune portal, go to “Devices” > “Configuration profiles.”b. Create a new device configuration profile and configure settings like security policies, Wi-Fi, and application deployments.c. Assign the configuration profile to the same device or device group you enrolled with Autopilot.
7. Device Enrollment and Configuration:
- Now that the device is set up for Autopilot, the end-user experience begins. When the user powers on the device, they will go through the Autopilot setup process.
- The device will automatically download and apply the device configuration profiles assigned via Intune.
8. User Sign-In:
- During the Autopilot setup, the user signs in using their Azure AD credentials.
- Azure AD Conditional Access policies can be used to ensure the device is compliant before granting access to corporate resources.
9. Post-Deployment Monitoring and Management:
- Monitor device compliance and security through the Intune portal. You can track device inventory, update compliance policies, and apply patches and updates as needed.
By following these steps, you can successfully join a PC to Azure AD, implement Autopilot, and configure device profiles. This approach streamlines device provisioning and management, making it more efficient and secure in an Azure AD environment.
