Microsoft Postpones Windows Enrollment Changes for Autopilot Devices

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21 Sep 2024

Earlier this week, Microsoft made headlines with its announcement regarding modifications to the Windows enrollment experience for select computers. The intention was to streamline the process by downloading and installing cumulative updates during the initial setup phase, commonly referred to as the out-of-box experience (OOBE), specifically for systems enrolled in mobile device management (MDM). However, the response from the IT community was mixed, with many expressing concerns over the absence of controls for administrators.

Microsoft’s Response to Feedback

In light of the feedback received, Microsoft has opted to recalibrate its approach. The company updated its original announcement, revealing that the planned changes will be postponed until a more effective solution can be devised to empower IT admins in managing their environments. The revised message from Microsoft reads:

Update September 20, 2024: We’ve heard your feedback regarding the Windows update experience during the OOBE, and while we understand the importance of keeping devices updated from the start, we’re committed to implementing this change in the best way for IT admins to manage their environments. This change has been postponed. Updates will continue to not be applied during OOBE for Autopilot devices until we’ve established the right mechanisms for IT admins to properly manage and adhere to update policies. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to enhance the Windows enrollment experience. Stay tuned for more updates!

For those interested, the updated announcement can be found on the official Tech Community forum.

It’s important to note that these changes are specific to enterprise environments and do not affect regular consumers. For individuals setting up their new Windows 11 devices, the system will automatically download and apply all available updates during the initial setup. Should users wish to bypass this automatic process, they can simply press Shift + F10 on the onboarding screen, enter oobebypassnro, and hit Enter. This action will restart Windows 11, allowing users to complete the setup without connecting to the internet or signing in with a Microsoft Account.

Update: 21 Sep 2024