Re-enroll a formatted Windows deviceSolved

Participant
Discussion
3 weeks ago Sep 14, 2026

A Windows laptop was previously enrolled in Hexnode, but the user formatted the device. We need to enroll the same laptop again for the same user. What is the correct way to reinstall and re-enroll Hexnode on the device?

Replies (3)

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Hexnode Expert
3 weeks ago Sep 14, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hello @famk_e ,

Yes, the device can be re-enrolled after it has been formatted. Since the previous MDM profile and agent installation would have been removed during the format, the user should first complete the initial Windows setup and reach the desktop.

After that, re-enroll the device as follows:

  1. On the device, open a web browser and enter your Enrollment URL (Format: https://portalname.hexnodemdm.com/enroll/).
  2. Download the Hexnode installer.
  3. Run the installer on the device.
  4. If the installer prompts for missing dependencies, such as Visual C++ components, install them and continue.
  5. Accept the EULA and proceed with enrollment.
  6. If authentication is enabled, sign in using the required local, AD, Microsoft, Google, or Okta credentials based on the portal configuration.

Once authentication is completed, the device should get enrolled again.

Regards,
Simon Scott
Hexnode UEM

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Participant
3 weeks ago Sep 14, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

What happens if the portal has already reached the device license limit? Since this is the same laptop, I’m wondering whether the old enrollment still consumes a license even though the laptop was formatted.

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
3 weeks ago Sep 14, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

If the old device record is still present in Hexnode UEM, it can continue to consume a device license. A formatted laptop will usually not be able to receive the normal disenrollment command because it no longer communicates with Hexnode UEM.

To free the license before re-enrolling:

  1. Go to Manage in the Hexnode UEM portal.
  2. Search for the old Windows device record using the device name or serial number.
  3. Open the device details page.
  4. Go to Actions > Device Control > Disenroll Device.
  5. Since the laptop was already formatted, the device may remain in the Disenrollment Initiated state.
  6. Return to the Manage tab, select the same device again, and use Actions > Mark as Disenrolled.

After the old record is marked as disenrolled, the license is freed and you can proceed with the Windows re-enrollment using the installer.

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