Are Golden Images Still Relevant?
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TechWiz4u
I'm curious if anyone here is still using golden images for deployment. Our department just received notice that we need to transition to Intune and Autopilot for managing devices. Is this shift reflective of a broader trend across industries like education and healthcare, or are there still scenarios where maintaining golden images is necessary? Also, is it really true that you can't redeploy used machines with Autopilot?
Answers
For most physical endpoints, golden images are becoming less common, but we still use them for Azure Virtual Desktop setups. It's more convenient to stick with a base image for those specific scenarios, especially for contractors.
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There are certain situations where golden images can still be useful, especially for specific software setups. But generally, once you get the hang of Autopilot, it simplifies things so much that you realize how burdensome golden images were.
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Golden images are pretty much outdated at this point. With Autopilot and Intune, you can achieve similar results without the hassle. Just for your older computers, registering them with Autopilot does require a bit of manual work. When you get new devices, just ask your vendor to enroll them into Autopilot for an easier setup.
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Absolutely, Autopilot can reset devices and reapply configurations without needing a full re-image. It’s designed to accommodate scenarios where devices need to be repurposed. Plus, it retains user settings which saves a lot of time after a reset.
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I still utilize SCCM and golden images for some projects where it makes sense, but honestly, Autopilot is great for regular endpoints. It speeds up the deployment process significantly and has become more preferred in many environments.
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