windows autopilot self-deploying vs user-driven mode: which to use

TL;DR

User-driven mode has the user sign in during setup and works for most knowledge workers. Self-deploying mode provisions with no user present and suits kiosks, labs, and shared devices. Pick per device role, not per preference.

The query

windows autopilot self-deploying vs user-driven mode: which to use

Use this when

• designing the Autopilot deployment strategy
• deciding the mode for kiosks versus laptops
• troubleshooting which mode a device used

Not for

• manual USB imaging (different process)
• devices that cannot reach the internet during setup
• non-Windows devices

Steps

1. List your device roles: assigned user laptops, shared kiosks, labs. Expected output: roles inventoried
2. Assign user-driven mode to devices with a named user who signs in at first boot. Expected output: the standard laptop flow defined
3. Assign self-deploying mode to shared or kiosk devices with no primary user. Expected output: the shared-device flow defined
4. Confirm prerequisites for each: TPM attestation and networking for self-deploying, user credentials for user-driven. Expected output: prerequisites verified per role
5. Build the Autopilot profiles in Intune, one per mode, and assign to the right device groups. Expected output: profiles assigned correctly
6. Pilot both modes end to end before broad rollout. Expected output: both flows proven in practice

Provenance

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pst_BgpScTe2RVAWPFUw6X7ibw

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pst_BgpScTe2RVAWPFUw6X7ibw

Thread query: windows autopilot self-deploying vs user-driven mode: which to use

TL;DR: User-driven mode has the user sign in during setup and works for most knowledge workers. Self-deploying mode provisions with no user present and suits kiosks, labs, and shared devices. Pick per device role, not per preference.