Addon for Workflow Nodes Update Check Template

For n8n, this automated workflow checks for outdated nodes in workflows, updates them as needed, and sends a summary email listing the affected workflows. It streamlines maintenance by ensuring workflows are up-to-date, enhancing reliability and performance.

7/4/2025
16 nodes
Complex
manualcomplexexecuteworkflowtriggersticky notegmailn8nnoopadvanced
Categories:
Business Process AutomationCommunication & MessagingManual TriggeredComplex Workflow
Integrations:
ExecuteWorkflowTriggerSticky NoteGmailN8nNoOp

Target Audience

This workflow is designed for:
- Workflow Administrators: Individuals responsible for maintaining and updating workflows in n8n who need to ensure all nodes are up to date.
- Developers: Those who want to automate the process of checking for outdated nodes and updating them to the latest versions.
- Data Engineers: Professionals who manage complex workflows and require a streamlined process for maintaining them.
- Technical Support Teams: Teams that assist users in troubleshooting workflow issues related to outdated nodes.

Problem Solved

This workflow addresses the challenge of managing outdated nodes within n8n workflows. It automates the detection and updating of nodes that are not of the latest version, ensuring that workflows run smoothly and efficiently. By providing a summary of outdated nodes, it allows users to quickly identify and resolve potential issues, thereby improving workflow reliability and performance.

Workflow Steps

  • Trigger the Workflow: The workflow starts when manually triggered by the user.
    2. Get Workflow Details: It retrieves the details of the specified workflow using the Get Workflow node, including its nodes and their versions.
    3. Modify Workflow: The Modify Workflow (if required) node checks each node for outdated versions. If an outdated node is found, it updates the node's name to prepend a warning symbol and adds a new version of the node nearby.
    4. Update Workflow: The Update Workflow node sends the modified workflow back to n8n for updating.
    5. Prepare Output: The Prepare Output node compiles a list of all workflows that contain outdated nodes.
    6. Send Summary: Finally, the Send Summary node sends an email via Gmail with a summary of all outdated nodes identified, ensuring the user is informed of necessary updates.

    • Customization Guide

    To customize this workflow, users can:
    - Change the Base URL: Update the instanceBaseUrl in the Settings node to point to the correct n8n instance.
    - Adjust Node Update Preferences: Modify the onlyMajorChanges setting to control whether to skip minor version updates.
    - Change the Warning Symbol: Update the symbol in the Settings node to customize the icon that appears before outdated node names.
    - Modify Email Recipient: In the Send Summary node, change the email recipient to ensure the summary reaches the appropriate person or team.
    - Add Additional Sticky Notes: Users can add more Sticky Note nodes to provide further instructions or information relevant to their specific workflows.