Windows Autopilot Device Preparation (sometimes called Autopilot v2) has been generally available since mid-2024 and has been gaining new capabilities rapidly in 2025 and 2026. But if you are evaluating whether to migrate from classic Windows Autopilot, one of the most important questions is: what scenarios does Device Preparation not yet support, and when is Microsoft planning to add them? Here is a clear picture of where things stand, based on official Microsoft documentation.
Classic Autopilot vs Device Preparation: The Key Differences
Microsoft is explicit that there is no forced migration from classic Windows Autopilot to Device Preparation. Both will continue to exist in parallel as Microsoft works to close the feature gap. Here is where they stand today:
| Scenario | Classic Autopilot | Device Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| User-driven (Entra join) | ✓ GA | ✓ GA |
| Self-deploying mode | ✓ GA | Planned |
| Pre-provisioning (white glove) | ✓ GA | Planned |
| Hybrid Entra join | ✓ GA | Not planned |
| Windows 365 / Cloud PC support | ✗ | ✓ GA |
| Hardware hash registration required | Yes (user-driven) | No |
| Policy assigned to | Device groups | User groups |
What Is Coming to Device Preparation
Microsoft has published the following roadmap items for Device Preparation. These are confirmed planned investments, not speculation:
Pre-provisioning mode (white glove)
The ability for IT teams, partners, or OEMs to pre-provision a device before it reaches the end user. The time-consuming portion (app installation, policy application) happens in the IT shop or partner warehouse; the user completes only the final steps. Microsoft has confirmed this is planned but not yet in the initial Device Preparation release. No public GA date has been announced.
Self-deploying mode
Zero-touch provisioning with no user interaction — the device joins Entra ID, enrolls in Intune, and applies all device-based configuration automatically from network connection. Used for kiosks, shared devices, and digital signage. This is already GA in classic Autopilot; it is planned but not yet released in Device Preparation.
Customise OOBE and rename devices during provisioning
The ability to customise the OOBE screens shown to users and rename devices during provisioning — for example, applying a naming convention based on department, location, or user, automatically at deployment time.
Enhanced Company Portal onboarding experience
An optional enhanced desktop onboarding experience delivered through the Windows Company Portal app after the user reaches the desktop for the first time — designed to guide users through final setup steps and organisation-specific information.
Tenant association during provisioning
The ability to associate a device with a specific tenant during the provisioning process — useful for scenarios where devices need to be pre-assigned to an organisation before the user interacts with them.
Should You Migrate Now or Wait?
Microsoft is not forcing anyone off classic Autopilot. Here is a practical framework for deciding what to do:
You use user-driven Entra join only, you do not need pre-provisioning or self-deploying, and you are provisioning Windows 365 Cloud PCs — Device Preparation is strictly better for you today
You use user-driven Entra join but also need pre-provisioning for some devices — run Device Preparation for standard user deployments and keep classic Autopilot for your pre-provisioned devices until Device Preparation adds that mode
You rely heavily on self-deploying mode, hybrid Entra join, or pre-provisioning as your primary deployment flow — Device Preparation does not yet support these and classic Autopilot remains your only option
Official Microsoft References
- YouTube — Best Practices for Windows Autopilot and Device Preparation (Microsoft Technical Takeoff)
- Microsoft Intune Blog — Windows Deployment with the Next Generation of Windows Autopilot
- Microsoft Learn — Windows Autopilot Device Preparation FAQ
- Microsoft Learn — Overview of Windows Autopilot Device Preparation
- Microsoft Learn — What's New in Windows Autopilot Device Preparation
- Microsoft Learn — What's New in Windows Autopilot