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I’m trying to understand what users actually see when a macOS update policy is deployed with the Install Later option in Hexnode. The documentation says the update installs when the Mac is “most likely to be idle.” Does that mean a specific time window, or is it based on inactivity?
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Hexnode Expert
2 days ago
Jun 10, 2026
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Hello @cullen ,
When a macOS update is configured as “Install Later” through Hexnode UEM, the scheduling behavior is handled by Apple’s native macOS software update framework.
It is not based on a simple inactivity timer. A short period of idle time will not immediately trigger the update installation or force a restart.
From the end-user side, macOS typically displays a native system notification for the managed update. The user may see options such as:
- Install Now: Starts the update process immediately and restarts the Mac if required.
- Update Tonight: Schedules the update for a low-activity time, usually outside active working hours.
- Remind Me Later: Defers the notification for approximately 24 hours.
Regards,
Simon Scott
Hexnode UEM
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Participant
1 day ago
Jun 10, 2026
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Okayy, got it. Good to know it relies on Apple’s update scheduling instead of just detecting inactivity.
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