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Is it recommended to use the Jamf App Catalog over Jamf Setup Manager when installing apps?

  • November 14, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 113 views
C
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We’ll use Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox for this question

I’m learning how to use Jamf Setup Manager. I followed the directions on GitHub but I made some changes. I have Google Chrome installing automatically with Jamf App Catalog so I decided to install Firefox to test. I also have the package on a policy instead of prestage to install after logging in with Jamf Connect. (the only prestage package is Jamf Connect). Jamf App Catalog should automatically update apps… correct? I don’t know if installing with JSM will stop something like this from happening. 

I have Firefox setup as available in Self-Service only (but still in Jamf App Catalog). I was also playing around with Jamf Pro AI and before all the troubleshooting to get Jamf Setup Manager to pop up, the AI told me that it may have confused me. During troubleshooting, it said:

I need to be honest with you - based on the search results, I'm not finding specific documentation about a product called "Jamf Setup Manager" as a standalone package or application.

Basically, what do you all who use Jamf Setup Manager recommend installing apps with? JSM or Jamf App Catalog better? 

Thanks for any help and insight! Cheers! 

    3 replies

    thebrucecarter
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    We do as much as we can from the Apple Store or the Jamf App Catalog.  Having said that, we do install a minimum level of stuff using Jamf Setup Manager, including our anti-malware configurations.  We only install things via policy when they are not available in either of the two automated systems.

    Not just A Bruce Carter, but THE Bruce Carter! 🤓
      mattjerome
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      • mattjerome
      • Jamf Heroes
      • November 14, 2025

      It’s worth noting that you may be talking about 2 different items. JSM is more about setting up the machine in it’s initial state when it comes to apps. You can’t deploy Jamf App Installers or Mac App Store apps with JSM. The best bet is to use Installomator or a different policy. I recommend installomator as it’s built in and will get you the latest version.

       

      If you do want to use JAI’s or the App stores to update, that’s totally do able but I would encourage you to use something like App Auto Patch to get a bit more control. there’s no wrong way to do it, just what’s best for your org.

        FlyingFrog
        • FlyingFrog
        • New Contributor
        • January 13, 2026

        I’ve been using Jamf Setup Manager during PreStage enrollment with Google Chrome and Firefox deployed from the Jamf App Catalog. The installs do complete successfully, but each app takes about 10 minutes, which makes the setup process very slow.

        Since Jamf Setup Manager doesn’t have an action for the Jamf App Catalog, I’ve been using watchPath to wait for the apps to install. My goal is to install baseline apps during enrollment.

        This works much faster when I deploy .pkg apps using a policy trigger, but the downside is having to manage updates manually. I’d prefer to continue using the Jamf App Catalog if possible.

        Has anyone had success using Jamf Setup Manager with Jamf App Catalog apps during PreStage?

        Is there a better approach than watchPath, or is this just a limitation of how App Catalog installs work?

        Any advice or best practices would be appreciated.

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