Wiping or Resetting a Workstation Using Windows Autopilot

Category: Software | Published on: Oct. 31, 2024, 3:51 p.m.

Overview

Windows Autopilot simplifies the process of resetting, redeploying, and reconfiguring workstations. This guide will show you how to reset a workstation to its original configuration using Autopilot.

Pre-Requisites

  1. Azure AD and Intune Integration: Ensure the workstation is registered with Azure AD and managed through Intune.
  2. Admin Access: You need Intune administrator privileges to perform Autopilot actions.
  3. Device Registration: The workstation must be registered in the Autopilot device list.

Steps to Reset a Workstation Using Autopilot

Step 1: Access the Microsoft Intune Admin Center

  1. Log in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center:
  2. Navigate to Devices > Windows > Windows enrollment > Devices.

Step 2: Locate the Device

  1. Under Devices, search for the workstation you want to reset.
  2. Confirm the device is enrolled in Autopilot.

Step 3: Initiate the Reset (Fresh Start or Wipe)

  1. Select the device and click on More Actions > Autopilot Reset.
    • Autopilot Reset: Resets the device to the Autopilot configuration while retaining the device's enrollment in Intune and Azure AD.
  2. Confirm the action and click Reset.

Step 4: Monitor the Reset Process

  1. The device will receive the reset command and reset itself to the Autopilot configuration profile.
  2. The user will see the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup screen once the reset is complete.

Alternative: Reset Directly from the Workstation

If the device is accessible, you can manually initiate an Autopilot reset:

  1. Sign In: Log in to the device with admin credentials.
  2. Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  3. Under Reset this PC, select Get Started.
  4. Choose Remove everything to wipe the device and reset it.
  5. During the reset, the device will retrieve the Autopilot profile and configure itself.

Post-Reset Actions

  1. Assign User: If required, assign the device to a user in the Intune portal under Devices > All Devices.
  2. Verify Configuration: Ensure that all Intune policies and applications are applied during the setup.
  3. Complete User Setup: Allow the user to complete the OOBE process and log in with their Azure AD credentials.

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Reset Fails to Start:
    • Ensure the device is online and can communicate with Intune.
    • Check if the device is properly registered in Autopilot.
  2. Policies Not Applied After Reset:
    • Verify that the correct Autopilot profile is assigned to the device.
    • Ensure that the device syncs with Intune and Azure AD.