New Computer Setup Automation

Question

Hello,

Is there a way to automate a new computer setup? I'm looking for more proof of concept and guidance on where to go so I can create a fully automated (or as much as possible) new computer setup.

The new computer setup is meant to set each computer up the same way, with the same programs, privacy settings, etc. Here are some things I want to include in the setup (on a side note, I've tried doing the privacy settings w/Power Automate Desktop with no luck.)

Installing the Microsoft Office from a USB

Adjusting Privacy settings

Installing software from the internet where Username and Password will be required to access the download(This should be possible with Power Automate, but it might not be the most unattended setup.)

Adjusting the taskbar settings like highlights and adding/removing icons

Adjusting default apps/files

Is there a way to make this happen? The concept would be plugging in a USB and the computer recreating the same information with multiple prompts needed to adjust specific settings. (Ex. Desktop User Account Usernames and Passwords.) Another method I'm theorizing is turning on the computer, signing in with the new user account information, downloading Power Automate, and running a flow. Lastly, maybe entering in a bunch of command line prompts or clicking on a file that runs the automation to get the rest of the job done.

The only other method I thought of is some program that will follow my mouse and keyboard strokes exactly, where I "record" my hour-long setup. The computer saves that into an executable (whether unattended or triggered doesn't matter) program. I don't what the limits of automation are, so any thoughts are appreciated!

Is this whole concept of a pretty much unattended possible? If so, where should I look for each part of this project? (For example, I initially tried automating the privacy settings and adding and removing programs via Power Automate Desktop.)

Answer 1

Automate Windows Setup

Automate your desktop