Objective
To provide step-by-step instructions for either deploying major macOS operating system upgrades across managed Mac endpoints or excluding/blocking them from executing prematurely.
Overview
Automox patch policies treat major macOS OS upgrades (such as macOS Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia) as standard operating system updates.
If your organization is ready to upgrade: You can deploy the upgrade via Automox policies or through manual execution.
If your organization wants to delay the upgrade: You must configure policy package exclusions or mark the update as ignored to prevent endpoints from upgrading automatically.
How to Update / Upgrade macOS Devices
To upgrade managed Mac endpoints to a major macOS version via Automox, ensure the endpoints meet Apple's hardware requirements and follow one of the methods below:
Method 1: Upgrade via Automox Patch Policy (Automated)
1.Verify Hardware & Storage Requirements:
Ensure target Mac devices have sufficient available disk space (typically 25GB+ free space) and meet Apple's hardware compatibility list for the targeted macOS version.
2.Configure a macOS Patch Policy:
- Navigate to Policies > Create Policy and select macOS Patch Policy.
- Set the policy type to Patch All or configure Package Targeting to include the major macOS release (e.g., macOS Ventura).
- Assign the policy to your target Device Group(s).
3.Schedule or Run Immediately:
- Scheduled Execution: Configure the policy schedule to run during an approved maintenance window.
- Immediate Execution: To trigger the upgrade immediately, navigate to Policies, select your upgrade policy, and click Run Policy Now.
Method 2: Upgrade Manually via Device Software Inventory
1.Locate Device in Automox Console:
Navigate to Devices and select the target macOS endpoint.
2.Select the OS Upgrade Package:
- Click the Software tab on the Device Details page.
- Search for the OS upgrade package (e.g.,
macOS VenturaorInstall macOS Ventura).
3.Execute Installation:
Select the checkbox next to the upgrade package, click Action, and select Install Update.
ℹ️ Note: Major macOS upgrades require a full system restart. Ensure end users save their work prior to triggering installation.
How to Prevent / Block Automatic macOS Upgrades
If you are not ready to deploy a major macOS upgrade, perform one of the following exclusion options:
Method 1: Exclude OS Upgrades via Policy Package Targeting (Recommended)
1.Navigate to macOS Patch Policy:
In the Automox console, go to Policies and select your active macOS patch policy.
2.Change Policy Type to Patch All Except:
Under policy configuration, update the policy behavior mode from Patch All to Patch All Except.
3.Add OS Package Exclusion Filter:
- In the Package Targeting section, search for
Ventura(or the specific major macOS version name you want to exclude). - Check the box to select all matching "Ventura" software package items.
- Click Save Policy.
Method 2: Ignore Software Package at the Device Level
1.Navigate to Device Details:
In the Automox console, go to Devices and select the target macOS endpoint.
2.Search Installed & Available Software:
Click the Software tab on the Device Details page and search for Ventura.
3.Set Software Action to Ignore:
Select the checkbox next to the Ventura upgrade package, click Bulk Actions, and select Ignore.
⚠️ Note: If you choose Method 2, this step must be repeated for every new device and for each subsequent major macOS version release.