Update Forwarder

When Stairwell releases a new version of the macOS forwarder, you can update using the UI (recommended) or deploy the update out-of-band using a third-party tool.

Update via the UI (Recommended)

The simplest method is to push the update directly from the Stairwell console.

1. Log in to app.stairwell.com/assets.
2. Select your environment from the dropdown in the top right.
3. Select the asset(s) you want to update.
4. Right-click or click the ... menu in the top right.
5. Select Update.
6. Select the desired forwarder version.
7. Click Next.
8. Click Update.

The forwarder will download and apply the update automatically. Verify the new version appears in the asset list after the update completes.

Update Manually

Use this method when you need to update outside the Stairwell UI -- for example, on systems without UI access or in air-gapped environments.

1. Download the latest macOS forwarder package from Stairwell.
2. Generate a Forwarder Maintenance Token from the UI (see Asset Identifiers).
3. Place the forwarder into maintenance mode using the token.
4. Uninstall the current forwarder version.
5. Reboot the machine.
6. Install the new forwarder version.
7. Verify connectivity and confirm the updated version appears in the Stairwell UI.

Important: The forwarder must be in maintenance mode before uninstalling. Maintenance mode disables anti-tamper protection so the forwarder can be removed cleanly.

Update via JAMF

For organizations managing macOS endpoints with JAMF Pro:

1. Download the latest macOS forwarder package from Stairwell.
2. Upload the package to JAMF Pro as a new package.
3. Generate a Forwarder Maintenance Token from the Stairwell UI.
4. Create a JAMF policy that:
   • Places the forwarder into maintenance mode using the token.
   • Uninstalls the current forwarder.
   • Installs the new forwarder package.
5. Scope the policy to the target machines.
6. Deploy the policy.
7. After deployment, verify the new version appears in the Stairwell UI.

Update via Kandji

For organizations managing macOS endpoints with Kandji:

1. Download the latest macOS forwarder package from Stairwell.
2. Upload the package to Kandji as a custom app.
3. Generate a Forwarder Maintenance Token from the Stairwell UI.
4. Configure the custom app to:
   • Place the forwarder into maintenance mode using the token.
   • Remove the current forwarder.
   • Install the new forwarder package.
5. Assign the custom app to the appropriate device blueprint.
6. Deploy the update.
7. After deployment, verify the new version appears in the Stairwell UI.