What’s the best way to keep emergency laptops updated?

Consider setting them to automatically power on when power is restored. You could use a smart switch to control this. Just schedule the switch to turn on every week, and set another scheduled task to shut them down after your updates. This will require some setup with a rack, but it could save hassle in the long run.

A simple approach is just to power them on once a month. Honestly, it sounds easier than relying on Wake on LAN, which can be finicky. Pressing the power button on 10 laptops a few times a year doesn't take much effort at all!

I’d suggest testing Wake on LAN first, but keep in mind that for many Dell models, you'll need them hardwired and with the lids open for it to work. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on the battery levels; it’s important to exercise the batteries periodically rather than leaving them plugged in all the time.

I think the best setup might be to line them up on a shelving unit in your office, ideally one that's on wheels. Power them up once a month to patch and test updates. Use a mechanical timer to automate the power up and shutdown process. This way, they get charged after being updated, and you can easily move them back to storage afterward. It's a bit more hands-on, but it works well!