At Microsoft's Ignite 2017 conference today, the company announced that beginning in January, both HP and Lenovo will support Windows AutoPilot. Previously, businesses needed to use a Surface device for this.
Originally announced back in June, Windows AutoPilot allows for PCs to be deployed without the IT administrator ever touching the machine. Instead, it can all be done automatically by uploading the device ID to the PC manufacturer, along with a variety of configuration options. This can include enrolling the device in Azure AD, Intune, and more. Of course, it will also install the company's apps on the machine.
IT also won't have to worry about updating the machines, as it's all done on autopilot, as they say.
The feature is part of the firm's Microsoft 365 service, which is being built out to be a complete solution for businesses, combining Windows 10, Office, Enterprise Mobility + Security, and more into a single package. Presumably, more PC manufacturers will sign up to be on board with the service.
