Windows Setup Automation

Problem Overview

Setting up new computers can be a time-consuming, repetitive, and error-prone process, especially when managing unique requirements across multiple clients. Imaging devices may offer consistency, but images can quickly become outdated. This automation simplifies and standardizes the setup process, ensuring every device meets specific client requirements without the need for extensive manual input or coding expertise.

Description

This Windows Setup Automation provides a comprehensive foundation for deploying and configuring new Windows devices. It removes pre-installed bloatware, ensures all Windows updates are installed (with automatic restarts), and applies custom configurations for each client using custom fields such as Managed, Admin, and Domain settings.

The automation also handles the setup of essential software and configurations, including adding admin users, setting time zones, connecting to client-specific wireless networks, and joining company domains. Key tags like Setup, AV, Office, and Managed are applied to streamline processes and trigger additional automations, many of which are conditionally applied based on the custom fields.

This flexible and comprehensive workflow ensures consistent and efficient device setups, saving time and reducing errors for IT professionals and MSPs alike.

Preview

Use Cases

• Initial setup of new Windows devices for clients with unique requirements.
• Standardizing configurations for remote or distributed endpoints.
• Automating repetitive setup tasks to save time and reduce errors.
• Providing MSPs with a flexible, client-specific setup foundation.

Recommendations

• Test Before Deploying: Run the automation in a controlled environment to verify configurations and ensure it meets client requirements.
• Utilize Custom Fields: Use custom fields to manage client-specific details such as wireless SSIDs, admin credentials, domain credentials, and desktop customization.
• Pair with Other Automations: Combine this with additional automations for antivirus installation, VPN setup, or Microsoft 365 deployments for a complete setup workflow.
• Documentation: Document any client-specific configurations for reference and troubleshooting.
• Updates: Regularly review and update the automation to ensure compatibility with the latest Windows updates and client needs.

FAQ

• Can this automation be customized for different clients?
  ‍Yes, custom fields allow you to tailor configurations like admin credentials, wireless networks, and domain settings for each client.

• How does the automation determine if a device is managed?
  ‍The automation uses a custom field to conditionally add the “managed” tag, which indicates whether a device is managed or not. This ensures that only devices meeting the defined criteria are tagged appropriately during the process.

• What happens if the automation fails partway through?
  ‍If the automation fails, you can rerun it, and it will process faster as many tasks have already been completed. You’ll be able to review the step where the failure occurred and analyze the associated errors. Additionally, the automation includes retries, so failure is unlikely.

• How are Windows updates handled?
  ‍The automation installs updates, including restarts, and loops until all updates are complete.

• Do I need coding skills to modify this automation?
  ‍No coding is required. The drag-and-drop GUI makes customization simple and intuitive.

• Can this be paired with existing automations?
  ‍Absolutely! For example, applying the Office or AV tag can trigger additional automations to handle those tasks.

• What if a specific client requires unique applications?
  ‍Use the “Install winget package” step to customize application installations for specific client needs. Or, add actions to install custom software.