Manage patches for devices

Before you begin patch management for devices, you must ensure the agent is installed and working on the device. N-central uses the local agent to monitor the device, communicate with the N-central server, and perform patch management actions.

Deploy and install patches

Use patch management to deploy updates to Linux and Apple computers.

Apple patching has additional requirements and behavior that can affect deployment. Before you deploy patches to Apple computers, review Manage patches for Apple computers.

Go to Endpoint Remediation > Patches.
On the Patch Management page, select Available Patches.
Select the devices to apply patches to, then select Install selected patches from the Actions menu.

Darwin OS filter for Apple patching: macOS devices are identified under the Darwin operating system type. When filtering patches for Apple operating system updates, include the Darwin filter to ensure macOS-related patches are displayed.

In the Schedule installation dialog, choose from the following options:
- Install now: Queues the patch for immediate installation.
- Set a schedule: Specify a start date and time to schedule the patch installation for later.
- (Optional) Turn on Retry when online to retry the patch when an offline device reconnects.
- (Optional) Turn on Reboot asset after installation to prompt a restart after the patch installs.
  - Apple computers require a restart for operating system updates to take effect. For details about restart prompts, deferrals, and messages, see Manage device restarts.
- In Reboot message, enter the message shown to users before the restart prompt.
Select Install patches to complete.

N-central installs all required patch components based on your configuration, whether the update is scheduled for later or set to install immediately.