Pre-provisioning a Dell laptop with Windows Autopilot

This article will guide you through pre-provisioning a Dell laptop using Windows Autopilot to configure initial settings and applications before the end user logs in.

Quick Links: | Overview | Initiate Pre-Provisioning | Connect to the Internet | Device Preparation | Finalize & Reseal | Customer First Login |

Overview

Pre-provisioning a Dell laptop with Windows Autopilot prepares the device before it reaches the end user, ensuring a faster, smoother first login experience. This process configures initial settings, applies security policies, and installs essential applications.

Initiate Pre-Provisioning

1. Carefully remove the laptop from its box, keeping the packaging materials intact. 
2. Plug the Dell laptop into its power source (required to power on the first time).
3. Press the Power button to start the computer. 
4. Important: From the "Let's Set Things Up" screen, press the Windows key 5 times quickly. Do not sign in. 
5. When the menu appears, select Pre-provisioning with Windows Autopilot. 
6. Select Next to continue.

Connect to the Internet

1. Ensure the device has an internet connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
2. If using Wi-Fi, enter your student assistant credentials to connect. No extra permissions are needed.

Device Preparation

1. Once connected to the internet, the device will begin the Device Preparation phase automatically.
2. This phase includes:
   • Securing hardware
   • Registering with Intune and Entra
   • Applying security policies, certificates, network connections, and pre-required apps
3. This typically takes:
   • 10–15 minutes with Ethernet
   • ~18 minutes with Wi-Fi
4. Wait until all steps show as "All set" before proceeding.

Finalize & Reseal

1. After preparation is complete, click Reseal.
2. The device will shut down and be ready to hand off to the customer.

Customer First Login

1. The customer should be the first and only person to log in with their CSU Chico credentials.
     - Do NOT log in for them.
     - Do NOT let another person log in first.
2. If the wrong person logs in, the device will be assigned to them and must be fully wiped to fix.
3. Some preparation steps will repeat at first login but will finish quickly.
4. Staff users may see a DUO prompt at login.
5. After login, Windows Updates are enforced:
   • Mandatory restart every 3 days
   • 15-minute warning before restart with two snooze options

 Still need help? Contact IT Support Services for further assistance.
  
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