Updates fix security holes, squash bugs and sometimes add new features. Keeping your Mac up to date is one of the simplest ways to keep it safe.
Before you update
A little preparation avoids most problems:
- Back up your Mac. Use Time Machine or another backup. Updates rarely go wrong, but a backup means it doesn’t matter if one does.
- Plug in your MacBook. Updates won’t install on low battery.
- Check your storage. Major upgrades can need 20GB or more of free space. See System Settings > General > Storage.
- Allow some time. A small update takes 10–20 minutes. A major upgrade can take an hour or more.
How to update macOS
- Click the **Apple menu ** in the top-left corner.
- Choose System Settings.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Your Mac checks for updates. If one is available, click Update Now (or Restart Now).
- Enter your password if asked.
Your Mac downloads the update, restarts, and installs it. Don’t close the lid or switch it off while this happens.
Update or upgrade?
- An update is a smaller release for the version you already have. It contains fixes and security patches. Install these promptly.
- An upgrade moves you to the next major version of macOS, with a new name. It appears as a separate Upgrade Now button.
There’s no rush to install a major upgrade on day one. Many people wait a few weeks for the first round of fixes. If you rely on specialist software, check that it supports the new version first.
How to turn on automatic updates
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Click the ⓘ next to Automatic Updates.
- Turn on the options you want. At a minimum, turn on Install Security Responses and system files. This installs urgent security fixes automatically.
How to update your apps
Apps from the App Store: 1. Open the App Store. 2. Click Updates in the sidebar. 3. Click Update All, or update apps one at a time.
Apps downloaded from the web: These update themselves. Look for Check for Updates… in the app’s menu (the one with the app’s name, next to the Apple menu) or in its Help menu.
Which version of macOS do I have?
Click the Apple menu > About This Mac. You’ll see the macOS name and version number, plus your Mac’s model and year.
Why can’t I get the latest macOS?
Each version of macOS supports Macs back to a certain year. If Software Update says your Mac is up to date but you’re on an older version, your Mac may be too old for the newest release. It will still receive security updates for a while.
Troubleshooting
The update is stuck or very slow. Large downloads take time, and the progress bar can pause for long stretches. Leave it for at least an hour before assuming it’s stuck.
“Not enough free space.” Clear some space (empty the Bin, clear out Downloads) and try again.
The update fails to install. Restart your Mac and try again. If it still fails, start in Safe Mode and run the update from there. On an Apple silicon Mac, shut down, then hold the power button until startup options appear, select your disk, hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode.
Wrapping up
Check System Settings > General > Software Update once a month, or turn on automatic updates and let your Mac take care of it.
