Topic
This article discusses how to use the Stagger feature for patch scans and installs.
Environment
NinjaOne Patch Management
Description
The Stagger feature lets you distribute patch installation times across your devices to avoid simultaneous updates, reducing network strain and keeping your infrastructure running smoothly. You can set distribution parameters for both your scan and update schedules.
When a Stagger time is configured, each device in the policy randomly selects a start time within the configured stagger window. The patch schedule will not begin on the device until its assigned time is reached. The staggered start time for each device is written to the activity log.
Navigating to the Stagger Settings
- In NinjaOne, click the Administration tab in the left navigation window, then click Policies from the expanded options. Select the policy type, then click the policy you wish to configure.
Figure 1: Policy navigation (click to enlarge)
- Select Patching (or Windows Patches, depending on your OS) from the action options.
Figure 2: Policy action options (click to enlarge)
- Click either your Scan Schedule or Update Schedule to open scheduling options.
Figure 3: Scan and Install schedules (click to enlarge)
Setting Stagger Parameters
- Stagger over: The Stagger Over parameter lets you distribute the start times for your devices' scan and update actions. The system will balance each device's action start time to fit the range you select.
- Duration: This option sets a maximum time limit for how long a Windows OS schedule is allowed to run. When used with a staggered patch schedule, the duration countdown begins after the delayed schedule start on the device.
Figure 4: Stagger parameters (click to enlarge)