Problem overview
Managing updates for macOS can be cumbersome, especially when you need to control rollout timing and avoid potential issues with new releases. Native System Preferences offer limited automation and scheduling flexibility, making it tough to handle patching across numerous endpoints in a consistent, low-effort way. This Automation centralizes macOS updates so you can control scheduling, delay patches for testing, and retry any that initially fail—all while staying informed through automated alerts.
macOS Patching Automation uses Level’s native actions to check for and install macOS updates on your schedule—no manual commands or complex scripting required. You can delay certain patches to ensure stability before widespread deployment, and the Automation will retry any failed installations once. If a patch fails a second time, an alert is generated so you’ll know exactly which systems need further attention. Simply import this resource, configure your desired patching window and delay settings, and let the Automation handle the heavy lifting.
Use cases
- Consistent OS Management: Keep all managed Macs on the same patch level without manual oversight.
- Delayed Rollouts: Evaluate and test macOS updates on a small subset of devices first.
- Retry & Alert: Automatically attempt failed updates again, generating an alert if the second attempt still fails.
- User-Friendly Scheduling: Choose maintenance windows that minimize productivity disruption.
- Hands-Off Maintenance: Reduce manual workload by automating routine patches across the fleet.
Recommendations
- Set Up Scheduling: Review your existing maintenance windows and decide on a weekly or monthly update schedule that minimizes user disruption.
- Adjust Patch Categories: After importing, specify which macOS Updates Categories you want to include or exclude for better control.
- Delay for Stability: Use the built-in delay feature to avoid immediate patch deployment, giving you time to confirm stability in test environments.
- Start Small: Implement the Automation on a test group of endpoints first, then expand to your broader environment after confirming success.
- Monitor Alerts: Keep an eye on notifications for any patch failures—so you can address issues promptly.