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:

avery-brand-and-print listed on couponmatrix.ukcolourpop listed on couponmatrix.ukdirect-stoves listed on couponmatrix.ukholiday-gems listed on couponmatrix.uklidl listed on couponmatrix.ukmulberry-cottages listed on couponmatrix.uk
avery-brand-and-print listed on couponmatrix.ukCarrying on the legacy of Stan Avery, creator of the label, Avery We Print strives to provide labels and stickers in all shapes and sizes to accommodate the multitude of items in modern life that need them. With an Avery We Print promo code you could get all the labels you need for your business endeavours at a stellar discount, including varieties for jars, bags, boxes and other packaging – all available in a great assortment of materials and colours.
colourpop listed on couponmatrix.ukKeep the cost of cosmetics low with ColourPop, the makeup provider that ensures variety without skimping on quality. Offering new ways to invent your look from your lips to your skin, delve into their incredibly affordable selection with a ColourPop discount code and find yourself swimming in cruelty-free makeup for months to come. Those looking for something truly special can sample their cosmetic collaborations with famous YouTubers and brands like Disney to create a facial style that truly stands out in a crowd.
direct-stoves listed on couponmatrix.ukDirect Stoves have been adding the perfect finishing touch to thousands of character properties for over a decade now, bringing warmth, contemporary rustic style and truly authentic cooking facilities with range cookers, and multi fuel and wood burning stoves. Traditionally thought of as an indulgence that's out of reach for most, our Direct Stoves discount code lets you install one of these beautiful, functional and sought-after powerhouses into your home for far less than you ever dreamed possible.
holiday-gems listed on couponmatrix.ukBook a budget-friendly break with Holiday Gems and you’ll soon find yourself in sun-soaked spots like Spain, Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. Holiday Gems specialises in finding the cheapest holiday packages, including free kids’ places to make your trip affordable. With a deposit as low as £59 per person, you can secure your trip with a Holiday Gems discount code for even better deals. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or your partner, Holiday Gems is the go-to for fantastic getaways.
lidl listed on couponmatrix.ukA family favourite for many bargain-hungry Brits, Lidl has won over millions thanks to its tantalising food, drink and home bargains. Offering up fresh groceries in hundreds of stores nationwide, you can lower the cost of their already well-priced produce with a Lidl voucher handy. Whether you’re looking to conjure up a steak dinner on a budget or resupply on some baby essentials, find all the must-haves you need for less at Lidl.
mulberry-cottages listed on couponmatrix.ukFor the finest holiday homes in England, Mulberry Cottages will always be your first port of call. Whether you're looking for a simple coastal break or a luxury villa escape for the whole family, Mulberry Cottages can make your dream holiday a reality. Enjoy England's beautiful landscapes for less with a Mulberry Cottages voucher code and start planning your perfect trip. From Dorset and Sussex to Kent and the Isle of Wight, there's a beautiful holiday cottage just waiting to be discovered by you.