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You do not have to migrate existing Windows Autopilot profiles to Windows Autopilot device preparation. Microsoft supports both solutions in parallel, so the practical choice is whether Device Preparation fits a particular new-device deployment. Use it selectively where its simpler device-based setup and near-real-time reporting help; keep Windows Autopilot for scenarios the newer option does not support.
What changes with Windows Autopilot device preparation?
Windows Autopilot device preparation is a separate deployment approach for setting up and configuring new devices, not a required conversion of existing profiles. Microsoft describes it as a re-architecture with a different underlying architecture, intended to simplify configuration and improve deployment consistency, speed, reporting, and troubleshooting. See Microsoft’s overview of Windows Autopilot device preparation.
Rather than having an organization maintain custom Windows images and model-specific drivers, Device Preparation uses the OEM-optimized Windows installation on a new device. During provisioning, it applies device-based configuration; the device is automatically added to a device security group and receives the applications and scripts assigned to that group. It supports Microsoft Entra join, not hybrid join.
Microsoft’s FAQ says there is no need to migrate from existing Autopilot profiles, and that the two solutions are being developed in parallel. Device Preparation does not absorb every Autopilot capability.
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Which solution fits each deployment?
Choose according to the deployment you need to run, rather than treating either solution as the universal replacement for the other. Microsoft’s feature comparison describes these differences:
| 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 and hybrid join |
| Device registration | Windows Autopilot device registration is not required; devices can be associated | Device registration is required |
| Configuration and app capacity | Device-based configuration during OOBE; up to 25 essential applications and 10 essential PowerShell scripts | Device and user configuration through device and user ESP; the comparison lists support for up to 100 applications |
| Application combinations | Win32 and line-of-business apps can be deployed together; also supports Microsoft Store apps that support WinGet, Microsoft 365, and Enterprise App Catalog | The comparison says Win32 and line-of-business apps cannot be deployed together in the same deployment |
| Monitoring | Deployment report covers deployments and provides more data near real time | Report covers registered devices and is 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 |
The application limits above are product limits in Microsoft’s comparison, not independent test results. For Device Preparation, the stated caps are 25 essential applications and 10 essential PowerShell scripts; the Autopilot comparison lists up to 100 applications.
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When should you keep Windows Autopilot?
Keep Autopilot for deployments that rely on any capability Microsoft lists as unsupported in Device Preparation. These include:
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- 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 has been applied
If a deployment depends on one of these, retain Windows Autopilot for that use case. You can still evaluate Device Preparation for other groups of new devices.
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What to check before a Device Preparation pilot
Confirm the device and join requirements
Microsoft lists these operating-system baselines for Device Preparation: Windows 11 version 24H2 or later; Windows 11 version 23H2 with KB5035942 or later; and Windows 11 version 22H2 with KB5035942 or later. Only Microsoft Entra join is supported. Review Microsoft’s Device Preparation requirements for tenant-specific software, network, licensing, configuration, and role-based access-control details.
Check the app, script, and user-configuration needs
Compare the deployment’s required applications and PowerShell scripts with Device Preparation’s limits of 25 essential applications and 10 essential scripts. Also confirm that device-based provisioning is sufficient; Autopilot offers device and user configuration through device and user ESP, including the option to block desktop access until user-based configuration is applied.
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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.
Verify registration and association state
The two solutions can coexist in one organization, but an individual device can run only one of them. On a Windows Autopilot-registered device, 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. Check each pilot device’s registration and association state so the intended deployment flow runs.
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A practical rollout is to inventory required scenarios, map each device group to its join type and configuration needs, verify the supported OS and tenant prerequisites, and pilot the groups that fit Device Preparation. Leave unsupported or dependent scenarios on Windows Autopilot. This approach follows the documented capability differences without assuming there must be one organization-wide cutover.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does Device Preparation mean Autopilot is being discontinued?
No. Microsoft says it is continuing to develop Windows Autopilot in parallel with Device Preparation. Its documentation does not give a dated commitment that every existing capability will move to Device Preparation, so plan around currently documented support rather than an assumed future feature set. For background on the existing solution, see Microsoft’s overview of Windows Autopilot.
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