Overview
When a Windows device is wiped and re-enrolled in Swif, it may appear as a duplicate entry in your device list. This happens because Windows assigns a new device ID after each wipe, creating a separate record even though it's the same physical device. The Merge Devices feature lets you combine these duplicate entries into a single, clean record.
Why Do Duplicate Devices Appear?
Windows devices generate a new unique device identifier every time the operating system is reset or wiped. Unlike some platforms, the serial number on Windows devices is not always reliable enough to automatically match re-enrolled devices to their previous records. As a result, if a device is wiped and re-enrolled — for example, during testing, reprovisioning, or a factory reset — Swif will register it as a new device.
This is expected behavior and not a bug.
How to Merge Duplicate Devices
Since automatic matching isn't possible due to unreliable serial numbers, Swif provides a manual merge workflow so you can consolidate duplicates yourself.
Step 1: Identify Duplicates
Navigate to MDM > Windows Devices in the Swif portal.
Swif will automatically detect and flag potential duplicate devices for your review.
Step 2: Review the Duplicates
Select the group of flagged duplicate devices.
Review the device details (hostname, user assignment, enrollment date, etc.) to confirm they represent the same physical device.
Step 3: Merge the Devices
Click the Merge button.
Swif will combine the device records, preserving the most recent enrollment data and consolidating the device history.
The older, stale device entry will be removed from your active device list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will merging devices affect policies or app assignments?
A: No. The merged device retains its current enrollment status, policies, and app assignments based on the most recent active record.
Q: Can I undo a merge?
A: Merging is a permanent action. Please review the device details carefully before confirming.
Q: Does this apply to macOS or other platforms?
A: This feature is specific to Windows devices, where device IDs change after a wipe. macOS and other platforms handle device identity differently.
Q: My team frequently wipes and re-enrolls test devices. Is there a way to automate this?
A: Currently, merging is a manual process. We recommend periodically reviewing your device list to keep it clean, especially if your team regularly resets devices.
Need Help?
If you're unsure whether devices are true duplicates or encounter any issues during the merge process, contact your Swif administrator or reach out to Swif Support.