Overview
Swif MDM lets you push an OS update to a Linux device right from its device page. You can install the update the next time the device checks in, or schedule it for a date and time you choose. This works like the existing macOS and Windows update flows.
This feature is Linux-only. macOS and Windows have their own update flows (see Adhoc Windows OS updates and Adhoc Apple OS updates).
Prerequisites
The device must be enrolled in Swif MDM and identified as a Linux device.
The device should be online so its list of available updates is current.
Your admin role must have permission to view devices and schedule OS updates.
Updating the OS on a Linux device
1. Open the Linux device
In the Swif WebApp, go to Devices.
Find and open the Linux device you want to update.
Check that the platform shows as Linux in the device overview.
2. Open the Update OS dialog
On the device's details page, click the Update OS action. The Update OS dialog has two sections: Install Action and Target Version.
3. Choose an install action
Under Install Action, choose one option:
Install as soon as possible: The update installs the next time the device checks in.
Schedule to install: The update installs at the date and time you choose.
Pick a date and time in the Force Install Date field.
Enter the time in your local time zone. Swif converts it automatically before sending it to the device.
Past dates are greyed out in the date picker.
Continue stays disabled until you choose an install action.
4. Choose the target version
Under Target Version, use the OS Version dropdown to pick the update or package version to install. The list shows the updates available for this device.
5. Confirm
Click Continue. To close the dialog without scheduling anything, click Cancel.
Validation messages
Message | Cause | What to do |
Please select an install time | You chose Schedule to install but didn't set a date and time. | Pick a date and time in Force Install Date. |
Install time must be in the future | The time you picked has already passed (for example, an earlier hour today). | Pick a later time. |
Nothing is sent to the device until all checks pass.
Success and errors
On success, the dialog closes and you'll see a confirmation such as:
OS update scheduled for 16/10/2026 20:40
The date and time are shown in your local time zone.
On error (for example, not enough disk space or an invalid version), an error message appears. Swif shows the backend's reason when it can. Nothing is scheduled. Fix the problem and try again.
Scope and limitations
Linux only: These options appear only for Linux devices.
One device at a time: You can't schedule Linux OS updates for multiple devices or device groups at once.
One update per request: Each request targets one device and one version.