
Understanding Microsoft Intune Reset Methods: Wipe, Fresh Start, and Autopilot Reset
Dec 17, 2024
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Ever found yourself scratching your head over Microsoft Intune’s reset methods? With three options—Wipe, Fresh Start, and Autopilot Reset—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fear not! Let’s break down these options, their quirks, and when to use them, so you can confidently hit the reset button when the time comes.

Wipe: The Nuclear Option
• Deletes all personal and corporate data.
• Nukes all settings and applications.
• Unregisters the device from Azure AD and Intune.
• Returns the device to its pristine, out-of-the-box state.
When to use Wipe:
Wipe is perfect for devices that are lost, stolen, or leaving your organisation. Think of it as the ultimate security move, ensuring no traces of data stick around.
Fresh Start: A Clean Slate (With Benefits)
Sometimes, you just need a refresh without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Enter Fresh Start. This method reinstalls Windows but leaves some key things intact:
• Keeps Azure AD and MDM registration.
• Purges preinstalled bloatware (good riddance).
• Preserves user data.
• Delivers a clean, up-to-date version of Windows.
When to use Fresh Start:
Use Fresh Start for devices that are sluggish, bloated, or just need a good decluttering. It’s the ideal method for a fresh Windows experience without losing critical data or having to reconfigure everything from scratch.
Autopilot Reset: Quick and Organised
For IT teams that need to reassign devices in a flash, Autopilot Reset is the answer. This method resets a device while maintaining its organisational ties, making it ready for its next user almost instantly. Here’s how it works:
• Deletes user files, apps, and settings.
• Keeps the device connected to Azure AD and Intune.
• Retains regional/language/keyboard settings.
• Maintains Wi-Fi connections and provisioning packages.
When to use Autopilot Reset:
This is the hero of device turnover. Whether onboarding a new hire or reallocating hardware, Autopilot Reset ensures devices are ready for action without the hassle of a full setup.
A Quick Cheat Sheet for Reset Use Cases
• Wipe: For devices that are lost, stolen, or exiting your organisation.
• Fresh Start: When a device is slow, cluttered, or riddled with unnecessary apps but still needed in its current role.
• Autopilot Reset: For quick device reassignment within your organisation.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these three Intune reset methods is vital for keeping your organisation’s devices secure, efficient, and ready for action. Whether you’re cleaning up a clunky machine, preparing for a handover, or safeguarding your data, there’s a method to match your needs.
Need help managing your devices?
At Initial IT, we’ve spent nearly two decades making tech work seamlessly for small businesses.
If you’ve got questions or want a helping hand with Intune, give us a shout. We’re always here to make IT not rocket science!
Thanks. Really useful write-up, but who on earth spill chucked the graphic!