Computer Reuse and Reassignment Guide

Author: Austin Nass

This document outlines the process for reusing and reassigning a Windows workstation to a new employee. This procedure ensures the device is properly wiped, enrolled in Microsoft Intune, and assigned to the correct user.

Step 1: Wipe the Existing Device

  1. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center at intune.microsoft.com.
  2. Navigate to Devices > All Devices.
  3. Search for and select the workstation to be reassigned.
  4. Select Wipe from the device actions menu.
  5. Confirm the wipe request. The two checkboxes typically do not need to be applied.
  6. The device will begin the reset process and return to the Windows OOBE screen.

Note. Ensure any required user data has been backed up before initiating the wipe. Data can be uploaded to Egnyte or SharePoint, or the user can be migrated in the Domain.

Step 2: Determine if Autopilot Registration is Required

Before collecting hardware hash, verify whether the device already exists in Microsoft Entra ID and Intune by checking enrollment under the device’s serial number.

Existing Device: If the workstation already appears in Entra ID and has been enrolled in Intune previously, no hardware hash collection is required. Proceed directly to Step 5.

New or Unregistered Device: If the workstation does not appear in Intune or Autopilot, continue to Step 3.

Step 3: Collect the Hardware Hash

  1. At the Windows setup screen, press Ctrl + Shift + D.
  2. A diagnostic command window will open.
  3. Collect the device hardware hash according to company procedures.
  4. Save the generated CSV file to a USB drive.

Note. The hardware hash is required for Windows Autopilot enrollment.

Step 4: Upload the Hardware Hash to Intune

  1. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center.
  2. Navigate to Devices > Windows > Enrollment > Devices.
  3. Select Import.
  4. Extract the zip file locally on your machine, then upload the hardware hash CSV file collected in Step 3.
  5. Wait for the import process to complete.
  6. Verify the device appears in the Autopilot Devices list.
  7. Confirm the assigned deployment profile is applied.

Note. Device import and profile assignment may take several minutes to complete.

Step 5: Sign In and Complete Enrollment

Once the device reaches the Windows sign-in screen:

  1. Have the employee sign in using their company Microsoft 365 credentials or Okta password.
  2. For new hires, enter the password created during initial onboarding in Active Directory.
  3. Complete Okta MFA setup if necessary.
  4. Allow Intune policies and applications to begin deployment during Windows Setup.

Step 6: Verify Device Enrollment

  1. Open the Intune Admin Center.
  2. Navigate to Devices > All Devices.
  3. Verify the following:
    • Device appears in Intune
    • Device is Compliant
    • Device is assigned to the correct user
    • Required applications are installing successfully
  4. Confirm the workstation can access Microsoft 365 applications, company resources, VPN (if applicable), and required business applications.

Completion Checklist

  • Previous device wiped successfully
  • Hardware hash collected (if required)
  • Hardware hash uploaded to Intune (if required)
  • Device appears in Autopilot
  • User signed in successfully
  • Device enrolled in Intune
  • Applications installed
  • Compliance status verified
  • Device assigned to correct user

Notes

Devices already enrolled in Entra ID or Intune generally do not require re-importing the hardware hash. Always verify the device is associated with the correct user after enrollment. If enrollment issues occur, verify internet connectivity and Autopilot profile assignment. Usually, if enrollment fails, the hash already exists within Intune.

Troubleshooting

Device fails to enroll after wipe. Verify the device is connected to the internet and has been assigned an Autopilot profile. Check that enrollment restrictions do not block the device.

Hardware hash import fails. Ensure the CSV file is properly formatted and the zip file was extracted locally before uploading. Verify no duplicate device entries exist in Intune.

Applications not installing after enrollment. Confirm the user account has the correct group memberships and Intune has finished applying policies. This may require 15-30 minutes.

Device assigned to wrong user. Manually reassign the device in Intune under Devices > All Devices. Select the device and change ownership under Device Properties.