Session: WIN-B323 Deploying Windows 8.1 in the Enterprise
This was a high level session by two Dell employees covering some tips about deploying Windows 8.1 in the enterprise.
OSD Planning and Reference Build
- Application compatibility: Antivirus, third party encryption, Office (32-bit or 64-bit), IE enterprise mode
Enterprise Mode in IE 11
- EMIE is a bridge between modern browsing and investments in older applications
- Locally – User can specify sites to be rendered in IE8 compatibility mode
- Managed – Crowd sourcing centralizes compatibility lists
- Can turn on via group policy or the registry
Group Policy Considerations
- OneDrive options need to be reviewed to avoid overlap between home and work environments. Sync options are managed by group policy.
- Personal account Sync items: Start screen, appearance, lots of other options with
Customizing Start
- Why customize? Better OOBE, train by example, fit and finish
- Options: Copy profile, appsFolderLayout, StartTiles, Group Policy. Dell uses AppsFolderLayout for customization.
UEFI Secure Boot
- Enhances security in pre-boot environment
- Windows 8 logo certification support for secure boot
- UEFI: replacement for BIOS, secure, faster boot/resume times
- Requires UEFI native (no legacy boot option ROMs)
- OSD challenges with secure boot: x64 HW requires x64 OS boot disk and OS, manual touch to enable and configure
Refresh/Reset
- Use your corporate image to refresh the PC
- Can reduce time to repair for a corrupted machine down to 30 minutes
- “Push button” reset capability for the enterprise
- Great TechNet articles on how to do this
- Adds about 20 minutes to the end of the build process
- Great for remote employees
- Tip: Shift-restart brings you into the recovery environment
Deploying Modern Applications
- Deploy vs. Provision
- Provision installs the app upon next login
 Patching
- Install all monthly updates (including security and platform/office updates)
