Deferred Reboot for macOS

What the deferred reboot scheduler does

This Automox Worklet™ creates a deferred reboot schedule for macOS endpoints. The Worklet configures the timing and conditions under which your endpoints restart, allowing you to control when reboots occur during your maintenance window.

By establishing a defined reboot schedule, you verify that system restarts happen at predictable times rather than interrupting critical work. This approach gives IT operations visibility and control over reboot events across your macOS fleet.

Why schedule deferred reboots

macOS endpoints that restart during critical work hours interrupt active projects and cause data loss. Users complain when their machines reboot unexpectedly while they are in meetings or working on unsaved documents. Uncontrolled reboots can disrupt user productivity and cause data loss if applications are not properly saved. By scheduling reboots during designated maintenance windows, you give users advance notice and time to prepare.

A deferred reboot schedule aligns system maintenance with your business operations. This is particularly important in environments with time-sensitive workflows or where endpoint availability directly impacts productivity.

Managing reboot timing through Automox reduces the administrative overhead of manually coordinating restarts across dozens or hundreds of endpoints. Automation maintains consistent scheduling and compliance with your maintenance policies.

How reboot scheduling works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet checks the current reboot schedule configuration on the endpoint and verifies whether a deferred reboot schedule is already in place.

2. Remediation phase: The Worklet applies the deferred reboot schedule configuration to the endpoint, verifying that reboots occur according to the defined timing parameters.

Reboot schedule requirements

• macOS endpoint with sufficient permissions to modify system reboot settings

• Administrative access to execute system configuration commands

• Note: This Worklet has been deprecated due to changes in how macOS handles software updates and associated reboots during patching. Contact Automox support for alternative solutions.

Expected reboot schedule state

After remediation, the endpoint will have a deferred reboot schedule configured according to the timing parameters you specify. System restarts will follow the timing parameters established by the Worklet, verifying predictable reboot behavior aligned with your maintenance window.

Users on the endpoint will receive notification of scheduled reboots in advance, allowing them to save work and prepare for the system restart. The consistent scheduling reduces unexpected downtime and improves overall endpoint management visibility.

How to validate deferred reboot for macos changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot macOS endpoint and review evaluation output for deferred reboot for macos.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as the evaluation and remediation scripts.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as the evaluation and remediation scripts, then rerun evaluation for compliance.

For technical validation, compare endpoint state to the Worklet evaluation logic and remediation flow for deferred reboot for macos. This supports repeatable system preferences workflows, faster change control review, and auditable compliance evidence.

Useful script references for this Worklet include evaluation operations such as the evaluation and remediation scripts and remediation operations such as the evaluation and remediation scripts. Use these indicators to verify that endpoint changes match intended policy outcomes.