macOS · System
See Every Update Installed On This Mac
Update 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.
How to open Update History
- Open System Settings → General → Software Update.
- Click the info button (ⓘ) next to 'Automatic Updates', or scroll to find 'Update History'.
- Click 'Update History' to see the full list.
- Scroll through entries to confirm the date a specific update installed.
What you should know
- Shows the name, version number, and install date of every past update.
- Includes major macOS upgrades, minor updates, and Rapid Security Responses.
- Useful for confirming a specific security patch was actually applied.
- Read-only — you can't reinstall or remove past updates from this list.
Why it matters
When troubleshooting a problem that started 'after an update,' Update History lets you pinpoint exactly which update and date to investigate instead of guessing. It's also useful evidence when confirming compliance with a required security patch level for work or school devices.
Best practices
- Check Update History after reported issues to see if they line up with a recent install.
- Reference it before contacting support so you can state your exact macOS build and patch date.
- Cross-check a critical security response's install date here if you're unsure it actually applied.
Common problems and fixes
- An update you expected doesn't appear in the list.
- Check System Settings → General → Software Update to see if it's still pending, since Update History only logs completed installs.
- You need the exact macOS build number, not just the version name.
- Go to Apple menu → About This Mac and click the version number to reveal the specific build number.
Tips and tricks
- Run `softwareupdate --history` in Terminal to view the same list without opening System Settings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I undo or roll back an update from this list?
No, Update History is a read-only log; rolling back generally requires reinstalling macOS from Recovery or restoring from a Time Machine backup made before the update.
Does Update History include App Store app updates?
No, it only covers macOS system updates and Apple software updates; app update history is tracked separately in the App Store.
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.
- 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.
- About This MacAbout This Mac (accessible from the Apple menu) shows your Mac's model, chip or processor, memory, macOS version, and serial number at a glance, plus a detailed system report and storage breakdown for deeper troubleshooting.
More System guides for macOS
- 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.