Block macOS beta updates and defer major macOS upgrades in HexnodeSolved

Hi @gnishilda,

You can control this using the macOS Software Update Preferences policy in Hexnode.

To block macOS beta releases:

1. Go to Policies > New Policy, or edit an existing policy.
2. Navigate to macOS > Patches & Updates > Software Update Preferences.
3. Click Configure.
4. Set Install pre-release software to Deny.
5. Associate the policy with the required Macs.

This prevents users from seeing, downloading, or enrolling the Mac into Apple pre-release software updates through managed update settings.

To delay a major public macOS release:

1. In the same Software Update Preferences configuration, enable Defer major upgrades.
2. Set the deferral period to 90 days, which is the maximum duration allowed by Apple.
3. Optionally, enable Defer minor upgrades if you also want to delay smaller point updates.

Apple does not allow MDMs to permanently blocklist a specific future macOS version. The supported approach is to defer major upgrades for up to 90 days from the official release date.

Regards,
Sienna Carter
Hexnode UEM

Can this be blocked by OS version name instead? For example, if I only want to block one specific macOS release and not all future upgrades.

Hi @gnishilda,

Blocking a macOS update by version name is not supported through Hexnode. The available controls are policy-based deferrals and restrictions. For beta versions, use Install pre-release software > Deny. For public major releases, use Defer major upgrades. Beta updates may also not appear as separate listed updates in the patches view, so they are best handled using the pre-release software restriction rather than trying to target them individually.

Regards,
Sienna Carter
Hexnode UEM