Autopilot is a system used to control the path of an aircraft, marine craft, or spacecraft without requiring constant manual control by a human operator. Autopilots do not replace human operators but assist the operators control of the vehicle, allowing the operator to focus on broader aspects of operations, such as monitoring the trajectory, weather, and on-board systems. Autopilots in modern complex aircraft are three-axis and generally divide a flight into taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise (level flight), descent, approach, and landing phases. Autopilots that automate all of these flight phases except taxi and takeoff exist. Autopilots are often an integral component of a Flight Management System.

In addition to aircraft, autopilot systems are also used in marine craft and spacecraft.

Windows Autopilot is a collection of technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use. It is a desktop provisioning tool native to Windows 10 that allows IT professionals to automate image deployment of new desktops with preset configurations. With Windows Autopilot, IT professionals can set new desktops to join pre-existing configuration groups and apply profiles to the desktops so new users can access fully functional desktops from their first logon. Windows Autopilot can simplify the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for new desktop users in an organization. To use Windows Autopilot, IT must connect the devices to a Microsoft Azure portal and enroll them in Microsoft Windows Azure Active Directory.

Autopilot software, which is integrated with the navigation systems, is capable of providing control of the aircraft throughout each phase of flight. If an autothrottle/autothrust system is installed, the appropriate thrust may be automatically set during take-off, and is then adjusted automatically as the climb progresses, while the aircraft climbs at the appropriate speed for its mass and ambient conditions. If this is to be a Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach with Autoland, the autopilot controls the aircraft flight path so that it follows the ILS glide path and localiser, adjusting the power to maintain the appropriate speed and commencing the flare as required to achieve a safe landing without the runway being visible until the final stage of the approach.

In summary, autopilot is a system used to control the path of an aircraft, marine craft, or spacecraft without requiring constant manual control by a human operator. Windows Autopilot is a desktop provisioning tool native to Windows 10 that allows IT professionals to automate image deployment of new desktops with preset configurations. Autopilot software, which is integrated with the navigation systems, is capable of providing control of the aircraft throughout each phase of flight.