Periodically, Apple releases updates to your macOS software (which can include updates to apps that come with your Mac and important security updates). Software Updates are an essential part of maintaining supportability and securing your Mac.
If your device requires an update, you will receive a macOS Update Notification. You can view the Windows and macOS System Updates and Patches article for more information about the notifications or continue with the steps below to update the software your Mac:
macOS 12 and below
macOS 13 and above
WARNING:
While generally very safe, updates run minimal risk of data loss. Please ensure you are backing up your data to another location regularly to avoid risk. One of our Desktop Support Specialists will be happy to assist with this process. Please visit tech.appstate.edu and submit a request for Computer Support.
Installing Apple Software Updates from System Preferences on macOS 12 and below
- From the apple icon in the top left of the menu bar, launch System Preferences.
- In System Preferences, click on Software Update.
Software Update will show you all updates available to your computer (as allowed by ITS Services).
Important:
When you initiate an update, your Mac will download the necessary components and will need to restart to perform the installation. Before proceeding, save your current documents, quit any open applications, and copy all files and user data to another computer or backup drive. If this is a laptop, please connect to a charger at this time. This process could take a while and your Mac will be unavailable during this time.
- Click the Update Now button to begin updating your Mac. Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- You will be prompted to input admin credentials. Use Privileges to elevate your account to an admin and then type in your password.
- Software Update will begin downloading and preparing the update.
- When it is finished, a notification will appear to alert that the computer will restart in 1 minute. You can click Restart from the notification, or you can click Restart Now in Software Update.
Installing Apple Software Updates from System Settings on macOS 13 and above
- From the apple icon in the top left of the menu bar, launch System Settings.
- In System Settings, click on General → Software Update.
Software Update will show you all updates available to your computer (as allowed by ITS Services).
Important:
When you initiate an update, your Mac will download the necessary components and will need to restart to perform the installation. Before proceeding, save your current documents, quit any open applications, and copy all files and user data to another computer or backup drive. If this is a laptop, please connect to a charger at this time. This process could take a while and your Mac will be unavailable during this time.
- Click the Update Now button to begin updating your Mac. Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Software Update will begin downloading and preparing the update.
- When it is finished, a notification will appear to alert that the computer will restart in 1 minute. You can click Restart from the notification, or you can click Restart Now in the Software Update tab.
