What are the Different Types of Windows Enrollment

Time and again, we tend to start anything regarding Windows with the fact that it is second only to Android in the global OS market share. So here we are, and the share was around 27.39%¹ as of February 2024. The stats are even more dominant for desktops/laptops, with Windows commanding almost 72% of the global market.

The use of Windows desktops and laptops across workplaces will never cease, even if other OSes catch up. In modern workplaces, ensuring consistent security and manageability across a diverse fleet of Windows devices is crucial. A Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution offers a powerful way to achieve this goal, streamlining device provisioning and enforcing organizational policies. However, it all begins with Windows enrollment. It is essentially the entry point for Windows devices into your UEM gate. 

This blog highlights the different ways to enroll Windows devices using a UEM solution.

Understanding UEM and its Role in Enrollment

UEM solutions are the epicenter of managing and securing endpoints, including Windows laptops, desktops, and tablets. They allow IT administrators to remotely configure devices, deploy applications, enforce security policies, and wipe data if necessary. Enrollment serves as the initial step, integrating a device into the UEM ecosystem and granting it access to organizational resources.

Here’s how UEM enrollment benefits your organization:

Simplified Provisioning: UEM enrollment streamlines the process of setting up new devices, reducing the burden on IT and ensuring a consistent configuration out of the box.

Enhanced Security: UEM solutions enforce essential security policies like strong passwords, encryption, and application restrictions, protecting sensitive data.

Centralized Management: The UEM console provides a single pane of glass to manage all enrolled devices, enabling efficient policy application and configuration changes.

Improved Compliance: UEM helps enforce industry regulations and internal compliance standards, mitigating security risks and maintaining data protection.

Types of Windows Enrollment with UEM

Windows device management starts with enrollment, and here are the primary types of enrolling Windows devices into a UEM solution.

Types of Windows Enrollment with UEM

1. Windows Autopilot

Some call it zero-touch, and some OOB (out of the box). Microsoft says it’s Windows Autopilot. This innovative method offers a completely touchless experience for setting up new devices. Ideal for large deployments, Windows Autopilot automates the entire process, from initial configuration to enrollment with your UEM solution. 

Here’s how it works:

• Pre-configuration: IT admins pre-configure Autopilot profiles in the UEM console, specifying settings like language, time zone, Wi-Fi details, and UEM server information. 
• Device Startup: When users power on the Windows device (new or repurposed), it automatically connects to the internet and fetches the pre-configured Autopilot profile.
• Enrollment and Configuration: The device downloads and applies the settings, enrolls with the UEM server, and installs any pre-assigned applications, all without user intervention. 

2. URL/Browser-based Enrollment

URL or browser-based enrollment is perhaps the simplest way to enroll Windows devices, allowing users to self-enroll their devices into the UEM solution. 

Here’s the typical workflow:

• User Initiates Enrollment: Users access a web portal or download an enrollment app provided by the UEM solution.
• Credentials and Device Information: Users enter their credentials and provide basic device information.
• UEM Server Connection: The UEM server validates the user and device and establishes a secure connection by sending an enrollment code. 
• Policy Application: Once the user enters the enrollment code, the UEM server pushes security policies and settings to the device.

While browser-based enrollment supports both company-owned and employee-owned devices (BYOD), it is particularly conducive for BYOD environments. 

3. Agent-based Enrollment

This approach uses pre-staged configuration profiles to automate enrollment on corporate-owned devices. An MDM agent or a proprietary agent app is the main element here. 

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• IT Prepares Configuration Profile: IT admins create a configuration profile within the UEM console, specifying enrollment details, security policies, and application assignments.
• Device Setup: During initial device setup, IT admins configure the  device profile policies. Once the agent app with all the pre-configured policies is installed on the device, the policies will be automatically applied to that device. 
• Automatic Connection and Enrollment: Upon connecting to the internet, the device automatically retrieves the configuration profile, enrolls with the UEM server, and applies the predefined settings.

Within Agent-based enrollment, admins can opt for Provisional Package-based enrollment with additional configurations like sequencing of EXE files. 

4. Provisioning Package Based Enrollment

Provisioning packages are ideal for enrolling fresh or factory-reset Windows 10 and above devices, eliminating the complexity of imaging while enabling automatic enrollment to Scalefusion during the first boot.

Here the process:

• Preparing Configuration Data: IT admins create a Windows Device Profile and Enrollment configuration, then copy the Bulk Enrollment URL and Enrollment code for use in Windows Configuration Designer.
• Generating Provisioning Package: Using Windows Configuration Designer, admins create a provisioning package by configuring device settings such as device name, network, and account management, and adding the enrollment URL and code in the advanced settings.
• Generating PPKG File: Admins export the configuration as a provisioning package (PPKG), optionally encrypt and sign it, and save it to a USB drive for device enrollment.
• Enrolling a Windows Device: Upon powering on a new device, admins insert the USB drive, and Windows recognizes the PPKG file, enrolling the device to Scalefusion, applying policies, and setting up the admin account.

5. Microsoft Entra ID – based Enrollment

Microsoft Entra ID enables automatic enrollment of Windows 10 and above devices when joined to Entra ID or when an Entra ID account is added to the device.

Here’s how Microsoft Entra ID Enrollment works: 

• Configuring Microsoft Entra ID: Admins configure Microsoft Entra ID-based enrollment in the Scalefusion Dashboard and ensure users have an appropriate Intune license to enroll devices.
• Device Enrollment: After setting up Microsoft Entra ID-based enrollment, users are automatically enrolled when adding their Entra ID account, or they can be invited to enroll via email. 

Users can enroll their device by entering their Entra ID email in the “Access to Work or School” app, signing in, accepting terms, and completing the process, after which the device appears in the Scalefusion Dashboard for remote management. 

6. IMEI/Serial Number Based Enrollment 

This enrollment method uses unique device identifiers such as IMEI or Serial Numbers to streamline the bulk enrollment of Windows devices. It is especially useful for enrolling multiple corporate-owned devices together. 

Here’s the breakdown of the process:

Completing Setup and Dashboard Monitoring: Users grant necessary permissions to the Scalefusion app and authenticate via email and OTP, while admins monitor device enrollment and configuration status on the Scalefusion dashboard.

Preparing and Uploading Enrollment Details: IT admins create a CSV file with IMEI or Serial Numbers and optional details (device names, groups, profiles) and upload it to the Scalefusion dashboard for validation.

Assigning Profiles, Groups, and Device Enrollment: Admins review and edit device assignments from the dashboard, then install the Scalefusion app on the devices, which validates and applies the predefined configurations.

Simplify Windows Enrollment with Scalefusion UEM

It is amazing to have great features onboard, but without a streamlined enrollment experience, managing Windows devices can be a tangle. A UEM solution like Scalefusion offers all the methods of Windows enrollment highlighted above. It allows organizations and IT admins the flexibility to enroll Windows devices as per business requirements and work-user scenarios.

Contact our Windows experts and find out everything you need to know about Windows enrollment. Get going with a 14-day free trial by signing up today!

References:
1. StatCounter

FAQs

1. Which Windows enrollment method is suitable for different business environments and device types?

The suitable Windows enrollment method varies based on business needs and device types in Mobile Device Management (MDM). Using Entra ID Join or Bulk Enrollment is ideal for corporate-owned devices, ensuring seamless integration with cloud services. For bring-your-own-device (BYOD) scenarios, Entra ID Register is preferred, offering flexibility while maintaining security protocols.

2. What are the benefits of using Windows Autopilot for device deployment and enrollment?

Windows Autopilot simplifies device deployment and enrollment by automating setup processes. Its benefits include reducing IT overhead, ensuring consistent configurations, and enhancing user experience with self-service provisioning. This method streamlines device onboarding, leveraging cloud technologies for efficient management and updates.

3. Can Windows enrollment methods support remote device management and deployment?

Yes, Windows enrollment methods support remote device management and deployment through MDM solutions like Microsoft Intune. IT administrators can remotely configure, monitor, and secure Windows devices across various locations, improving efficiency and reducing physical IT intervention.

4. How secure are Windows enrollment methods, and what security features do they offer?

Windows enrollment methods prioritize security with features like Entra ID integration, encryption, and compliance policies. Entra ID Join enhances identity management, while BitLocker encryption safeguards data. Windows Hello adds biometric authentication for enhanced security, ensuring devices remain protected against threats.

5. Can Windows enrollment methods support custom configurations and policies?

Windows enrollment methods fully support custom configurations and policies via MDM platforms. IT teams can deploy tailored settings, applications, and security policies based on business requirements. This flexibility allows organizations to enforce compliance, manage updates, and optimize device performance according to specific needs and guidelines.