macOS System settings
Keep your device current and configure core system behavior.
- Software UpdateSoftware Update in System Settings keeps macOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility improvements. Regular updates help keep your Mac fast, stable, and protected.
- Automatic UpdatesThis is the set of individual toggles inside Software Update that decide whether macOS checks for updates, downloads them, and installs security responses, system files, and app updates without asking you each time. You can automate the whole pipeline or keep manual approval at any step.
- Update HistoryUpdate History lists every macOS update, security response, and Apple software update that has ever been installed on this Mac, along with the date and version number. It's the fastest way to confirm exactly what's been patched and when.
- Beta UpdatesBeta Updates lets you opt this Mac into pre-release macOS software — either the public beta or, with a developer account, the developer beta — so you can try upcoming features before they're officially released. Beta software is less stable and should only run on a Mac you don't depend on daily.
- Rapid Security ResponsesRapid Security Responses are small, fast-turnaround updates Apple issues between full macOS releases to patch urgent, actively exploited security issues. They install quickly, often without a restart, and are labeled with a letter suffix like 'macOS Sonoma 14.5 (a)'.
- App Store Automatic App UpdatesControl whether apps downloaded from the Mac App Store update automatically in the background as new versions become available.
- Update Now vs. Upgrade LaterWhen both are available, decide whether to install just the latest security or point update for your current macOS version, or perform a full upgrade to the newest major macOS release.
- Update Installation SchedulingFine-tune whether macOS installs downloaded updates immediately, overnight, or only after explicit confirmation, minimizing disruption during active work sessions.
- Managed Updates (Enterprise/School)See when an employer or school's device management policy is deferring, restricting, or controlling macOS update availability on a managed Mac.
- Update macOS from the Command LineUse the built-in softwareupdate command-line tool in Terminal to list, download, and install macOS updates without opening System Settings, useful for scripting and remote management.
Other macOS categories
- Privacy & SecurityControl which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.
- Network & InternetWi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.
- Display & SoundScreen, audio, and alert preferences.
- Storage & BackupManage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.
- Accounts & FamilyAccount sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.
- AccessibilityAssistive features, input, and language & region settings.
- TroubleshootingReset, restart, and diagnose common issues.
- PersonalizationThemes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.
- DevicesMice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.
- AppsInstalled apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.
- System InfoDevice details, advanced settings, and activation status.