Missing Device Message in Kiosk for macOS and Windows

What

As a FileWave Administrator, you sometimes need a reliable method to signal that a device is no longer available for normal use. The “Missing Device” message in the Kiosk is designed precisely for this purpose. When a macOS or Windows client is flagged as “Missing” in FileWave Admin—by right-clicking the device in FileWave Central, selecting Client State > Missing, and then performing a Model Update—the system automatically updates the Kiosk display with a dedicated alert. This alert can include a custom Lost Mode Message and an optional Lost Mode Footnote, allowing your organization to provide tailored instructions. In the absence of custom messaging, the default notification reads: “This device is currently marked as missing. Self-service Kiosk is not available. Please contact your administrator.”

When/Why

Imagine the scenario in an educational institution at the end of the school year. Devices issued to students must be returned, and as the FileWave Administrator, you need to provide clear, actionable instructions. With the new “Missing Device” message, the Kiosk offers a friendly yet authoritative reminder—such as “End of Year Reminder: Please return your device to the school’s IT office”—ensuring students know exactly where and how to return their equipment.

Similarly, consider a loaner laptop that has not been returned past its due date. By marking the device as “Missing” in FileWave Admin, the Kiosk immediately notifies the user of its overdue status and the urgency of returning the device.

In a corporate setting, a leased device nearing the end of its lease period requires a smooth turnover. Marking the device as “Missing” triggers the Kiosk to display an alert that informs the employee the current device must be surrendered to complete the lease termination and to receive a replacement. This process streamlines device turnover and minimizes downtime.

How

When you mark a macOS or Windows client as “Missing” in FileWave Admin, the process is straightforward. Right-click on the device in FileWave Central, select Client State > Missing, and then execute a Model Update. Once this is done, the next time the user launches the FileWave Kiosk, the interface updates to display the “Missing Device” message.

For example, in an educational setting, the Kiosk might show a custom message such as:

“End of Year Reminder: Please return your device to the school’s IT office. This device is needed for inventory and future student use.”

This custom message is configurable in Central Admin under Organization Info, where you can also add an optional footnote with further instructions or a clickable contact number.

If no custom Lost Mode Message is set, the Kiosk will revert to the default text. Additionally, while a device remains in the “Missing” state, the Kiosk restricts operations—preventing installations, uninstallations, and access to self-service options—ensuring that the device cannot be misused until it is recovered or replaced.

Notes on "Missing Device" Message in Kiosk for macOS and Windows

• When a macOS or Windows client is marked as “Missing” in FileWave Admin, a “Missing Device” message will now be displayed in the Kiosk, similar to the “Device Locked” message.

• The “Missing Device” message will include any custom Lost Mode Message and Lost Mode Footnote set in Central Admin under Organization Info.

• By default, if no custom message is set, the following message appears: “This device is currently marked as missing. Self-service Kiosk is not available. Please contact your administrator.”

• Kiosk Restrictions: While in the "Missing" state, the Kiosk will prevent installation, uninstallation, and normal access to self-service options, similar to “Device Lock” functionality.

• Setting the text seen. In FileWave Central go to Preferences and then Organization Info:

  • If only the Lost Mode Message is set, it will display alone.

  • If only the Lost Mode Footnote is set, the default lost mode message will appear with the custom footnote.

  • If an organization contact number is set, it will be displayed as a clickable link for easy access.

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Digging Deeper

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