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I’m trying to set up macOS OS update enforcement in Hexnode. We were told that if a Mac is asleep, the update command should run after the device wakes up and reconnects to the network. That makes sense, but a lot of our Macs are still not updated, so we want to use patch deadlines and reminders. The path I was given was Patches > Automations > macOS > Create automation > Enforce Patch Deadlines. My manager granted me access to Patches, but I still cannot see the Automations tab under Patches. Is there another permission required for this?
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Replies (3)
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Hexnode Expert
1 day ago
Sep 15, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review
The behavior you described for sleeping Macs is expected. macOS does not install OS updates while the device is in deep sleep. The MDM command is queued through APNs and is processed when the Mac wakes up, powers on, and reconnects to the network. For enforcing macOS updates more reliably, use the Enforce Patch Deadline automation:
- Go to Patches.
- Open Automations.
- Select macOS.
- Create an automation.
- Choose Enforce Patch Deadlines.
- Select the target macOS version and configure the deadline/reminder behavior.
If the Automations section is not visible, it is usually permission-related. The technician account must have the Automate permission assigned. A Super Admin can check this from Admin > Technicians / Roles, then edit the relevant technician or custom role and enable Automate.
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Participant
20 hours ago
Sep 15, 2026
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We checked this, but the Super Admin can see the main Automate tab in the portal and still cannot find an Automate permission while editing the technician role. So there is no way to grant it from the role edit page right now.
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Hexnode Expert
14 hours ago
Sep 15, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review
If the Super Admin can access the Automate area but the Automate permission is missing while editing technician roles, try ruling out a browser-side display issue. Ask the Super Admin to open the Hexnode portal using either:
- An Incognito / Private browsing window, or
- A different browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Then go back to Admin > Technicians / Roles and edit the relevant role or technician profile again.
The Automate permission should normally appear there and can be assigned to the technician who needs access to Patches > Automations. This can happen if cached portal data or a browser extension prevents the permission list from rendering correctly.
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