You do not have to migrate existing Windows Autopilot profiles to Windows Autopilot device preparation. Microsoft supports the two solutions in parallel, so the practical choice is selective: use Device Preparation for suitable new Windows 11 deployments and keep Autopilot for scenarios it does not support.
What changes with Windows Autopilot device preparation?
Windows Autopilot device preparation is a re-architecture of Windows Autopilot, not a renamed version of the same deployment flow. It sets up new devices using the OEM-optimized Windows installation, with the aim of simplifying configuration and improving deployment consistency, speed, reporting, and troubleshooting. Organizations do not need to maintain custom images and model-specific drivers for this process.
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During provisioning, the device receives device-based configuration. It is automatically added to a device security group and receives the applications and scripts assigned to that group. Microsoft describes Device Preparation and Windows Autopilot as solutions being developed in parallel; it says existing Autopilot profiles do not need to be migrated. Microsoft’s Device Preparation FAQ
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Which solution fits your deployment?
Compare the deployment requirements that matter to your organization before assigning devices to either flow. Microsoft’s comparison documentation lists these differences; service features and supported versions can change, so check the current documentation before rollout. Microsoft’s feature comparison
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| Decision area | Windows Autopilot device preparation | Windows Autopilot |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment modes | User-driven and automatic | User-driven, pre-provisioned, self-deploying, and existing-device deployment |
| Join type | Microsoft Entra join | Microsoft Entra join or hybrid join |
| Device registration | Windows Autopilot device registration is not required; devices can be associated | Device registration is required |
| Configuration and limits | Device-based configuration during OOBE; up to 25 essential applications and 10 essential PowerShell scripts | Device and user configuration through device and user ESP; supports up to 100 applications in Microsoft’s comparison |
| Apps | Can deploy Win32 and line-of-business apps together; also supports Microsoft Store apps that support WinGet, Microsoft 365, and Enterprise App Catalog | Win32 and line-of-business apps cannot be deployed together in the same deployment, according to the comparison |
| Monitoring | Deployment reports cover deployments and provide more data near real time | Reports cover registered devices and are not real time |
| Windows versions | Windows 11 24H2 or later; 23H2 with KB5035942 or later; or 22H2 with KB5035942 or later | Currently supported Windows 11 and Windows 10 General Availability Channel versions |
What Device Preparation does not cover
Keep Windows Autopilot for deployments that depend on features missing from Device Preparation’s documented capability set. Microsoft lists the following unsupported scenarios or features for Device Preparation:
- Pre-provisioned, self-deploying, or existing-device deployment
- Windows Autopilot Reset
- Windows 10 or Microsoft Entra hybrid join
- HoloLens or Teams Meeting Room deployments
- Device Firmware Configuration Interface management or co-management
- Extensive OOBE customization
- Blocking desktop access until user-based configuration is applied
These are workload-fit limits, not reasons to migrate or replace every profile. If your deployment relies on any of them, retain Windows Autopilot for that device group. Microsoft’s comparison of supported scenarios
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Check operating system, tenant, and device state
Confirm the Windows baseline and join type
Device Preparation supports Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, Windows 11 version 23H2 with KB5035942 or later, and Windows 11 version 22H2 with KB5035942 or later. Microsoft Entra join is the supported join type. Microsoft’s requirements page covers tenant-specific software, networking, licensing, configuration, and role-based access control; verify your tenant against it before deployment. Windows Autopilot device preparation requirements
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Resolve registration and association before piloting
The two solutions can coexist in the organization, but a device can run only one of them. On a Windows Autopilot-registered device, which flow takes precedence depends on its tenant association state: an Autopilot profile takes precedence if the device is not associated with the tenant; Device Preparation association takes precedence if it is associated. Microsoft’s overview says to deregister a registered device before using Device Preparation without associating it. Include registration and association status in the pilot checklist. Device Preparation overview
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- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Plan a selective rollout
Use a pilot to validate workload fit rather than treating this as a one-time migration project. Microsoft’s documented differences support this practical sequence:
- Inventory scenarios. Record whether each deployment is for a new or existing device and whether it needs pre-provisioning, self-deployment, reset, hybrid join, or other Autopilot-only capabilities.
- Map configuration needs. For each device group, identify join type, essential application and script counts, and whether user-based configuration must finish before the user reaches the desktop.
- Verify prerequisites. Confirm the Windows version, tenant requirements, and device registration or association state against Microsoft’s current requirements documentation.
- Pilot suitable new-device groups. Test the Device Preparation deployments whose requirements fit its supported scenarios, then review deployment reporting and troubleshooting information.
- Retain Autopilot where needed. Keep unsupported or unsuitable scenarios on Windows Autopilot; there is no requirement to convert every existing profile.
Is Windows Autopilot being discontinued?
No. Microsoft says it continues to work on Windows Autopilot in parallel with Device Preparation, and existing profiles do not need to be migrated. That is not a dated roadmap commitment: choose based on the capabilities your deployments need, and check Microsoft’s documentation for current support details. Windows Autopilot device preparation FAQ
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