**Groups are the foundation** for creating an automation solution and are used to manage and organize your computers, contacts and network devices. As groups are created and populated, they can be configured to [[ConnectWise Automate Managed Services|manage services]], [[ConnectWise Automate Patch Manager|patching]], monitoring ([[ConnectWise Automate Internal Monitors|Internal monitors]] & [[ConnectWise Automate Remote Monitors|remote monitors)]], script scheduling, maintenance windows and other management tools.^[[Configuring Automate Groups - ConnectWise](https://docs.connectwise.com/ConnectWise_Automate_Documentation/070/090/020)] # Auto Join Searches The **Auto Join Searches** section allows you to automatically assign members to the group based upon the selected [[ConnectWise Automate Searches|search]]. These search options are pulled from existing searches. Any member that is detected by the selected search will become a member of this group when the search runs, approximately every 6 minutes.^[[More info on search - autojoin - and EDF timing (site.com)](https://connectwise20.my.site.com/serviceandsupport/s/article/More-info-on-search-autojoin-and-EDF-timing)] ## Limit to Search The **Limit to Search** checkbox enables dynamic ejection from the group of members that do not match the search criteria. When selected, members that are not detected by the selected search, will be ejected from the group. Otherwise, if not selected, members will not be automatically ejected based on the search.^[[Configuring Automate Groups - ConnectWise](https://docs.connectwise.com/ConnectWise_Automate_Documentation/070/090/020)] # Default group for New Agents During the initial Location configuration, a default group is selected for new [[ConnectWise AUtomate Agent|agents]]. When new agent computers sign up with the location, they will automatically move to the selected group. Please note, that if you manually move a computer to this location, it will not be placed in the group automatically. > [!Note] > **Note:** If you are an [[ConnectWise Automate Ignite|Ignite]] partner, there is no need to set the **Default Group for New Agents**. The setting should remain at the default of **Not Selected** because auto-join scripts will handle this functionality during the Onboarding process.