Zero Touch Deployment and Manual Enrollment - MDM

What is the difference between Zero Touch Deployment and Manual Enrollment?

When setting up company devices, there are two main ways to enroll them into a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system: Zero Touch and Manual Enrollment. Zero Touch Enrollment automates the entire setup process so devices are ready to use right out of the box, while Manual Enrollment requires users or IT staff to configure devices step-by-step.

How does Zero Touch Deployment work?

Windows

Windows devices use Entra ID or Microsoft Autopilot for Zero Touch Deployment. When a new device is turned on and connected to the internet, it automatically downloads company settings, security policies, and apps from the cloud—eliminating the need for IT to handle the device manually. Here is a guide how to setup Zero Touch Deployment for Windows Devices.

Apple

Apple devices use Apple Business Manager (ABM) for Zero Touch Deployment. Devices bought from authorized resellers are linked to the company’s ABM account before delivery. Once powered on, the device contacts Apple servers and automatically enrolls into the MDM, applying all company settings without manual steps. Here is a guide how to setup Zero Touch Deployment for Apple devices.

Seamless Employee Onboarding with Zero Touch Deployment

Zero Touch Enrollment is ideal for companies that want to save time and reduce errors in device setup. It ensures devices are consistently configured with the right security and apps from day one, allows IT teams to deploy large numbers of devices remotely, and minimizes the need for on-site technical support.

When to choose Manual Enrollment?

Manual Enrollment is sometimes necessary depending on how you buy and manage your devices:

• Devices Not Purchased via Fleet: If your devices were bought outside Fleet or from resellers that don’t register devices in Autopilot or Apple Business Manager, you might need to manually enroll those devices. For these cases, Fleet sends an enrollment email so users can install MDM themselves with clear and concise instructions, making manual enrollment easy and quick.
• Older or Unsupported Devices: Devices that do not support Zero Touch protocols, such as older Windows or Apple models, require manual setup.
• Custom or One-Off Configurations: If your company requires special software or unique settings not supported in automated profiles, manual enrollment lets IT configure each device individually.
• BYOD: For employees using their personal devices, Fleet sends an enrollment email so users can install MDM themselves, making manual enrollment the practical choice.

What does Fleet offer?

Fleet provides a flexible MDM platform supporting both Zero Touch and Manual Enrollment to fit your company’s needs:

• Full Zero Touch Enrollment for Windows devices using Microsoft Autopilot or Microsoft Entra ID and Apple devices via Apple Business Manager
• Simple Manual Enrollment via email instructions for users or IT teams when Zero Touch isn’t available
• Automated registration for any new devices added to Fleet Cockpit to keep them enrolled automatically
• Centralized dashboard to monitor, update, and secure all your devices from one place
• Dedicated support to help you select and implement the best enrollment strategy for your fleet

With Fleet, managing device enrollment is easy, efficient, and tailored to your business.

If you have any more questions or want to learn more about the Mobile Device Management, look into our Support Page.