Can I defer upcoming macOS updates on managed Macs using Hexnode?Solved

Hello @haanaa ,

You can delay upcoming macOS updates by configuring a macOS policy in Hexnode.

Go to the macOS policy and configure:

Software Update Preferences > Defer Software Updates

Set the required deferral period and associate the policy with the target Mac devices. macOS software updates can be deferred for up to 90 days.

Once the policy is applied and synced to the Macs, eligible upcoming updates will be hidden from users during the configured deferral window. This prevent users from initiating the update while your network team prepares for the rollout.

Important limitations:

• This only applies to upcoming or pending updates.
• It cannot roll back or revoke a macOS update that has already finished installing.
• The update will become visible again after the deferral period ends.

Regards,
Simon Scott
Hexnode UEM

I enabled Defer Software Updates in the macOS policy and applied it to the Macs. How long does it usually take for the update to disappear from the devices?

After the policy is associated with the devices, it usually takes a few minutes for the policy to sync.

If the user has not opened “System Settings > General > Software Update”, the upcoming update should simply stop appearing once the policy takes effect.

If the Software Update screen is already open, the user may need to close and reopen System Settings. In some cases, restarting the Mac can refresh the Software Update page. After that, the Mac may show as up to date based on the configured deferral window.