macOS · System

Update macOS on Your Mac

Software 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.

How often: Check weekly; install security updates within a few days of release, and major upgrades within a few weeks once they've proven stable.

How to open Software Update

  1. Open System Settings → General → Software Update.
  2. Wait for macOS to check for updates, or click 'Check Now'.
  3. Review the update details and click 'Update Now' or 'Upgrade Now'.
  4. Restart your Mac if prompted.

What you should know

  • macOS checks for updates automatically, or you can check manually anytime.
  • Security responses can install in the background without a restart.
  • Major macOS version upgrades are optional and can be scheduled for a convenient time.
  • Automatic update options can be fine-tuned individually (security responses, app updates, macOS updates).

Postponing macOS updates for a long time can leave known security issues unpatched. Install updates soon after they're offered.

Why it matters

Software updates patch security vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit, so a Mac running old software becomes a bigger target the longer it goes unpatched. Updates also fix bugs that cause crashes, battery drain, and app incompatibilities, and they're required to keep using new features in apps like Safari and Messages. Because Apple ties many security fixes to specific macOS versions, staying current is one of the single highest-impact things you can do to protect your Mac.

Best practices

  • Turn on automatic installation for security responses and system files so critical patches land without waiting on you.
  • Check for updates manually once a week rather than relying solely on background checks.
  • Read the release notes before installing a major macOS upgrade, since new versions can change default settings or drop support for older apps.
  • Back up with Time Machine before installing a major version upgrade (e.g., moving from Sonoma to Sequoia).
  • Install security updates within a few days of release rather than deferring them indefinitely.

Common problems and fixes

Update stalls at 'Preparing Update' or gets stuck downloading.
Restart the Mac, ensure at least 20GB of free storage, and retry from System Settings → General → Software Update.
Mac reports 'Your Mac is up to date' even though a new macOS version exists.
Some major upgrades roll out gradually to different device models; check again in a few days or download the update directly from the App Store.
A software update breaks a third-party app or driver.
Check the developer's site for a compatibility update, or hold off on major upgrades until third-party apps confirm support.

Tips and tricks

  • Hold Option while clicking the Apple menu to reveal 'System Information' for checking exactly which build number you're running after an update.
  • Use `softwareupdate -l` in Terminal to list available updates without opening System Settings.
  • Schedule major upgrades for a time you won't need the Mac for an hour or more, since the first boot after a major upgrade can take longer to finish indexing and optimizing apps.

Frequently asked questions

Will updating macOS delete my files?

No, standard software updates don't erase user data, but you should still keep a current Time Machine backup before any major version upgrade as a safety net.

Can I stop macOS from installing updates automatically?

Yes — in System Settings → General → Software Update, click the info button next to automatic updates and turn off the individual options you don't want automated.

What's the difference between a security response and a full macOS update?

Security responses (labeled like 'macOS Sequoia 15.1 (a)') patch urgent vulnerabilities quickly without bundling new features, while full updates include broader fixes and sometimes new capabilities.

More System guides for macOS

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