Building Custom Clients During Early Access
Description
Use this article to build custom FileWave Client installers while participating in the FileWave Early Access Program. Early Access, also called Beta, provides supported pre-release packages for customers validating an upcoming FileWave release.
Choose the workflow by FileWave Server and Client version. FileWave 16.4.0 and later build macOS and Windows enrollment packages directly in FileWave Central. Earlier FileWave Server versions continue using the external Early Access builders until the Server is upgraded.
Choose the correct package or upgrade path
| Situation | Use this workflow |
|---|---|
| Build a new macOS or Windows enrollment installer on FileWave Server 16.4.0 or later | Use integrated package management in FileWave Central > Preferences > Mobile. |
| Build an Early Access enrollment installer for a FileWave Server earlier than 16.4.0 | Use the external Early Access custom-client builders listed below. |
| Upgrade an existing FileWave Client already running 16.3.0 or later | Use the integrated client upgrade workflow. Do not deploy an Upgrade Fileset. |
| Upgrade an existing FileWave Client earlier than 16.3.0 | Use the applicable Client Upgrade Fileset as the bridge to the integrated upgrade baseline. |
FileWave 16.4.0 and later: build packages in Central
When a FileWave 16.4.0 or later Server is configured for the Early Access/Beta package channel, the integrated macOS and Windows package sources can use the matching Early Access packages.
- Configure the Server for Early Access packages as described in Enable Early Access (Beta) Package URLs.
- In FileWave Central, open Preferences > Mobile.
- Select macOS or Windows.
- Select Show settings and review the enrollment-package configuration.
- Select Build macOS client package or Build Windows client package.
- After the build completes, use the corresponding Download button to obtain the installer.
- Enable Keep the package up to date when FileWave should rebuild the package after future Server upgrades.
These are enrollment packages, not the upgrade mechanism for enrolled clients. Use them for new installations, reinstalls, and manual deployment testing. Use the integrated client upgrade workflow for clients already running FileWave 16.3.0 or later.
Servers earlier than 16.4.0: external Early Access builders
During Early Access, FileWave Servers earlier than 16.4.0 continue using these build links:
Use the version that matches the intended deployment. Early Access builds may not be available immediately for every version. If the beta builder reports unsupported status for a build FileWave directed you to test, confirm the version and proceed under the Early Access guidance provided with that test.
Existing client upgrades
Clients running FileWave 16.3.0 or later
Upgrade through FileWave's integrated client upgrade workflow in Software Updates > Client Upgrades. FileWave 16.4 Upgrade Filesets are designed to return requirements not met on these clients so the legacy Fileset does not replace the integrated mechanism.
When targeting an Early Access/Beta client, do not use the toolbar scheduling button. Select the eligible client or group, right-click it, and choose Schedule Beta Upgrade. The toolbar action schedules the non-Beta upgrade.
Clients earlier than FileWave 16.3.0
Use the applicable macOS or Windows Client Upgrade Fileset to bring the client to the integrated upgrade baseline. Clients earlier than 16.3.0 do not appear in Client Upgrades, so All Clients Up to Date does not account for them. If a FileWave 16.4 Upgrade Fileset is unavailable for the legacy version being upgraded, deploy the FileWave 16.3 Upgrade Fileset first, then continue with the integrated workflow.
See Upgrading FileWave Clients for the complete inventory audit and illustrated scheduling workflow.
The Upgrade Fileset may also be used as a support-directed recovery path during Early Access testing. Do not modify its requirement checks unless FileWave Support provides a specific recovery procedure.
Related articles
- What is the Early Access Program?
- Enable Early Access (Beta) Package URLs
- Your Hosted FileWave Server Has Been Upgraded—What Are Your Next Steps?
- Upgrading your On-Premise FileWave Server
Support
If you encounter issues or require assistance, contact Customer Technical Support through your standard support channels. Feedback during Early Access helps FileWave validate upgrade and enrollment workflows before general availability.