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    Do pfsense routers update automatically?

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Official Netgate® Hardware
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    • E
      ErniePantuso
      last edited by ErniePantuso

      If I buy an SG-1100 and a vulnerability is discovered and patched, is the patch pushed out automatically? (Or is there an option to configure the appliance for automatic updates?)

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      • GrimsonG
        Grimson Banned
        last edited by Grimson

        A big NO. You have to keep up to date and then update the system.

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        • E
          ErniePantuso
          last edited by

          That’s unfortunate. It would be a big selling point over UBiquiti edgerouters. Am I at least notified (email) when an important update is released?

          S chrismacmahonC 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • S
            strangegopher @ErniePantuso
            last edited by strangegopher

            @ErniePantuso said in Do pfsense routers update automatically?:

            That’s unfortunate. It would be a big selling point over UBiquiti edgerouters. Am I at least notified (email) when an important update is released?

            There are plenty of twitter/forum/blog posts about new releases. New releases are not as often as ubnt stuff. If you want email you can setup twitter or rss to email IFTTT.

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            • S
              SteveITS Galactic Empire
              last edited by

              Part of it is likely due to optional packages, especially between versions when PHP changes. I've generally found it best to uninstall packages before the upgrade and reinstall, even on minor versions. (most packages I've used know this and save settings when uninstalling)

              There is by default a check that shows on the router's home/main/dashboard page when a new version is pending. Not sure about the 1100 as I haven't set one up yet but the 3100 has an LED light that turns orange to indicate an available update.

              Pre-2.7.2/23.09: Only install packages for your version, or risk breaking it. Select your branch in System/Update/Update Settings.
              When upgrading, allow 10-15 minutes to restart, or more depending on packages and device speed.
              Upvote 👍 helpful posts!

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              • stephenw10S
                stephenw10 Netgate Administrator
                last edited by

                Automatically updating could be very bad to disastrous in many situations.

                It usually requires a reboot and hence downtime - bad.

                If it's a big update there may be features removed or changed or other differences that need to be considered before running - disastrous.

                You will be notified on the system information widget which is on the dashboard by default when you login.

                There are some threads here on the forum discussing ways to enable automatic updates if it's something you really need but we strongly advise against it. ☺

                Steve

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                • chrismacmahonC
                  chrismacmahon @ErniePantuso
                  last edited by

                  @ErniePantuso Yes, we have a newsletter you can sign up to get alerts from us. https://www.netgate.com/resources/newsletters/

                  You can also enable the RSS widget (on the system dashboard, click the + (plus button), in the upper right side, click the RSS feed.

                  If there is an update you will get a notification on the dashboard saying "Update is available"

                  Need help fast? Our support is available 24/7 https://www.netgate.com/support/

                  Do Not PM For Help!

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