Copilot+ PC – Readiness Checklist

 

Copilot+ PC – Readiness Checklist 

❑ Windows 11 – 24H2 Pro/Enterprise 

          ❑ Copilot+ PCs only run Windows 24H2 and they are Windows on Arm devices 

❑ Modern Management and deployment (highly recommended) 

❑ Surface tools including the Surface Management Portal 

❑ Current version or deployment of M365 

❑ Copilot M365 deployed (recommended) 

❑ Test all apps on a Copilot+ PC. 

          ❑ Apps run native on ARM 

          ❑ Apps emulated successfully 

❑ Security policies and data governance 

❑ Peripherals & Accessories e.g. printers, monitors in the office, 3rd party docks, Teams Rooms devices 

 

Surface Copilot + PC Evaluation Guide 

Building a Standard Operating Environment (SOE) for a new Surface Copilot+ PC is relatively straightforward. 

However as this is a new OS version (Windows 11 24H2) and this is a Windows on Arm device, we suggest best practices to ensure a smooth and efficient setup. 

 

Simplified Guide:

1. Start with a clean Windows 11 install:

  • Your Surface image from factory is very clean. You do not need to remove “bloatware” 

  • If you need to start again, get the Surface recovery image also known as BMR (Bare Metal Recovery) from here. Surface Recovery Image Download - Microsoft Support 

 

2. Apply Windows Updates: 

  • During the OOBE (Out Of Box Experience) and first-time setup, critical and new updates will be downloaded even before the first boot into Windows. 

  • Additionally, before installing any applications, make sure to download and apply all the latest Windows updates to ensure system security and stability. Go into Windows Update, download, install, reboot as necessary. 

 

3. Install Enterprise Software: 

  • Proceed with the installation of your enterprise applications, starting with the most critical ones. 

  • Continue to install any additional line of business apps and test compatibility and performance 

 

4. Configure System Settings: 

  • Adjust system settings according to your organization’s policies and requirements.  

  • Set up features like BitLocker for encryption and security

 

5. Check peripherals and printers: 

  • Plug in peripherals like monitors, docks, keyboards etc. as they may need drivers. 

  • Check printing, use universal print drivers where possible for greatest compatibility. 

 

6. Capture the SOE Image (or use modern deployment / management tools) 

  • Use tools like the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) to generalize the system and remove any system-specific data.  

  • Capture the image using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.  

 

7. Post-Deployment Checks: 

  • After deployment, perform a final check to ensure all applications and drivers are functioning correctly.  

  • Provide end-user training if necessary for any new features or changes.  

  • Remember to test the SOE image thoroughly before mass deployment to avoid any potential issues