How to update your Mac

From large MacOS upgrades to minor but important security or usability updates, it’s important to keep MacOS current. If you’re not quite sure how to do that, don’t fret. It’s quick and easy.

Even if you have automatic updates turned on for your Mac, the manual method is just a few steps long. If you find yourself in any of these situations, our guide will show you exactly what needs to be done to put those Mac updates into effect. Take a look.

Time Machine backup screen on MacOS.

Prepare for an update

Updates will reboot your Mac, so prepare for a full reboot process.

Finish any current tasks you’re working on, close out of browsers and apps, and make sure any documents are saved and closed before you work on the update. You may also want to back up your data with Time Machine or something similar. Mac updates don’t usually bring bugs, but it can happen, and if you have very important, time-sensitive data on your computer, make sure you also have a way to access it if something goes wrong.

Update indicator in System Preferences in the Dock.

Look for notifications

If you have the System Preferences icon in your Dock, you may see an indicator that an update is available.

When you select that icon, you’ll head directly to System preferences and see that same indicator on the Software update item.

Open the Software Update tool

If you don’t have the icon in your Dock, you can open System preferences from the menu bar. Step 1: Select the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen and choose System preferences from there. Step 2: Once in, look for the option that says Software update.

Again, you may see an indicator that an update is available. Even if it doesn’t appear, select Software update to head in and make sure.

Update indicator in System Preferences.

Step 3: Alternatively, select the Apple icon in the menu bar and pick About this Mac. Then, select the Software update button.

About this Mac window with Software Update button.

Install the available updates

Once in Software update, if there are any updates that haven’t been applied, you will see a notification that says “an update is available for your Mac” or similar.

Step 1: Select the Update now button to get started. Your Mac will then close out of any apps that you may have left open, reboot, and apply the updates.

Update Now button in the Software Update window.

Step 2: It’s also a good idea to select Automatically keep my Mac up to date in this window. As we mentioned, this doesn’t always work well, especially if you rarely log out of your Mac, but it can often help apply updates you may not have noticed.

Step 3: You can also select Advanced to mark other automatic update options, like app updates from the App Store.

Additional automatic update options on MacOS.

Aging out of updates

There’s an important caveat to Mac updates: they’re targeted at the latest versions of Mac computers and operating systems. That means they can include software changes that older Macs just weren’t made for. Rather than introduce bugs or create other problems, Apple chooses to cut off updates if your Mac is a certain age or older.

For example, the Monterey upgrade was limited to Macs only several years old.

The same is true for smaller updates as well.

That’s important to remember if you’re looking at refurbished Macs or wondering if it’s time to upgrade a current Mac.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

bit-defender listed on couponmatrix.ukboux-avenue listed on couponmatrix.ukgrenade listed on couponmatrix.ukmanchester-airport-car-park listed on couponmatrix.ukneals-yard-remedies listed on couponmatrix.ukolympic-holidays listed on couponmatrix.uk
bit-defender listed on couponmatrix.ukWe all want to be safe online don’t we? You wouldn’t go into a sewer with no protection, would you? If you don’t have any protection on your computer, then that’s exactly what you are doing. Thankfully you can get protected by choosing Bitdefender. Since 2001 they have worked to protect computers from threats and viruses. Today they work with Government organisations, large enterprise, SMEs and private individuals in more than 150 countries, constantly working with a team of 1300, including 600 engineers and researchers to provide the most innovative protection for your technology. No matter whether you want to keep one computer, or an entire network safe, Bitdefender offers everything you need, and with our voucher codes you can get safe and save money while you’re doing it. Bitdefender offers support for all their users. Browse their website for their top solutions for the most common problems users have. There’s also a selection of videos showing you how to carry out the solutions. If these aren’t of any use you can contact Bitdefender via email, chat or by phone. Ensuring you’ll get a solution to your problem.
boux-avenue listed on couponmatrix.ukA bra that looks good, feels great and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Count us in! Boux Avenue caters from A to G cup, without charging a premium for larger cup sizes. Snap up a Boux Avenue discount code from us to give your wardrobe a new lease of life: think flattering lingerie, sleepwear and sports clothing that actually gives the support you need. For a more affordable underwear collection, go with Boux Avenue.
grenade listed on couponmatrix.ukThanks to ten years of hard work and research, Grenade blew a crater in the world of UK weight loss, filling it with the finest foodstuffs and supplements to help hundreds of gym-goers knock the pounds down. Whether you’re a runner or a weightlifter, a Grenade discount code is all you need to snatch up carb-cutting protein bars, weight loss shakes and daily capsules at a fraction of the price, so you can concentrate on the work that really matters.
manchester-airport-car-park listed on couponmatrix.ukWhatever trip you’re jetting off to, trust Manchester Airport Parking to provide the most suitable, secure and affordable place for your wheels while you’re away. From multi-story options to short stay car parks for quick journeys away, a Manchester Airport Parking promo code is all you’ll need to secure your vehicle at an unbeatable price. Featuring disabled parking spaces, shuttle bus transfers and on-the-day parking when needed, there’s an option for every kind of customer flying from Manchester.
neals-yard-remedies listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom humble beginnings in Convent Garden all the way back in the early 80s, Neal’s Yard Remedies has become one of the nation's most beloved names in beauty. Use our Neal’s Yard Remedies discount codes to save money when you shop the fantastic range. Neal Yard's natural beauty products and holistic remedies have won numerous awards from the likes of ELLE, Mother and Baby, Good Housekeeping, Free From, and Ethical Consumer, so you know you'll be bathing in only the best.
olympic-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukOlympic Holidays is the leading UK holiday specialist to sunny island destinations across Europe. Voted Best Tour Operator to Hellenic Europe 2015 by the British Travel Awards, Olympic Holidays offer holiday packages to Greece, Corsica, Cyprus, Sardinia, Sicily and so many more. Book your dream holiday with an Olympic Holidays discount code and explore the beautiful Mediterranean and beyond for a fraction of the price. Start your sun-soaked getaway the right way with Olympic Holidays today!