macOS · System
Check and install updates via softwareupdate
Use 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.
How to open Update macOS from the Command Line
- Open Terminal from Applications → Utilities
- Run 'softwareupdate -l' to list available updates
- Run 'sudo softwareupdate -i <update-name>' to install a specific update
- Restart if prompted to complete installation
What you should know
- Accessed via the softwareupdate command in Terminal
- The -l flag lists available updates; -i installs a specific update
- Useful for scripted deployments and remote or headless Macs
- Requires administrator privileges for most operations
Why it matters
The command-line update tool gives administrators and power users a scriptable way to check for and apply updates, which is essential for managing multiple Macs or headless systems without a graphical session. It mirrors the same update mechanism used by System Settings, so results are consistent with the graphical interface. This approach is particularly valuable in IT environments that automate maintenance tasks across a fleet of machines via remote scripts.
Best practices
- Run softwareupdate -l first to review available updates before installing
- Use sudo for commands that require administrator privileges
- Schedule command-line update checks during low-usage windows on managed systems
- Test scripts on a single Mac before deploying broadly
Common problems and fixes
- Command returns 'No new software available' unexpectedly
- Confirm the Mac has an active internet connection and isn't restricted by a managed deferral policy.
- Installation requires a restart mid-script
- Use the --restart flag deliberately or schedule installs where a restart is acceptable.
- Permission denied running the command
- Prefix the command with sudo and enter an administrator password.
Tips and tricks
- Use 'softwareupdate --history' to review a log of previously installed updates
- Combine with remote management tools like SSH for maintaining headless Macs
Frequently asked questions
Is this different from using the App Store or Software Update pane?
No, it uses the same underlying update service, just accessed via Terminal instead of a graphical interface.
Can this install a major macOS upgrade, not just minor updates?
Yes, with the correct flags it can download and install full macOS upgrades, though this requires more disk space and time.
Do I need special software to use this?
No, softwareupdate is built into every Mac and requires only Terminal access.
Related settings
- 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.
- 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.
More System guides for macOS
- 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.
- 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.