Policy deferrals when no user logged in?

[raymondap]

I can't seem to find the answer to this on my own. If I set a deferral type of Date and set a date a month in the future, how do clients handle that policy when no user is logged in? Does the policy just run, or does it wait for a user to be logged in so they have the option to defer?

[MikeTheTech]

Hey @raymondap the policy won't run until triggered, whether by login, recurring check-in, etc which typically isn't going to happen until the user logs in.

You can also check the policy logs by going to Computers > Policies > Policy in question > logs, and check to see if it's marked as "pending" or "completed" on devices. 

[MikeTheTech]

@raymondap the policy isn't going to run until triggered, whether that be by login, recurring check in, etc. That won't happen until a user logs into the machine and it hits that trigger, and the Wi-Fi network.

You can also check the policy logs to see how machines are taking the policy, if they are sitting at "pending" or "completed". 

[raymondap]

The policy in question would have a one time trigger on check in. I already know that our clients can run a policy on check in if no user is logged in, but what I’m not sure of is how that policy would behave if a deferral option is set. Does it run if no user is logged in, or does it wait to give an opportunity to defer until the due date? I was hoping this would be a simple answer to find, but I have had no luck. I’ll probably just test it and figure it out myself tomorrow.

[AJPinto · Accepted solution]

If a deferral is setup and no one is logged in the policy will run when the trigger happens, and will "ignore" the deferral.

If you are looking for a simple "official" answer, I suggest opening a ticket with JAMF. They may be able to point to documentation, or you can just reference the ticket if the "powers that be" want 1st party verification. 

[raymondap]

Perfect, just what I was looking for. Thanks!