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How to Update Software on a Mac

Tap through each step to update your Mac.

  1. Open "System Settings" from the Apple menu

    Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and choose "System Settings."

  2. Click "General β†’ Software Update"

    Select "General" in the sidebar, then open "Software Update."

  3. Check for an available update

    Any new macOS version or security patch will appear in the list if one is available.

  4. Click "Update Now" to install

    Clicking the button starts the download and installation, and a restart may be required afterward.

  5. Why it's useful

    Installing updates as soon as they're available β€” with their security patches and feature improvements β€” keeps your Mac safer and more stable.

Keep your Mac safe and stable

Installing the latest security patches and feature improvements as soon as they're released helps keep your Mac more secure and reliable to use every day.

Back up before a major update

Before a major macOS version upgrade, backing up with Time Machine or another backup tool first means you can recover quickly if something unexpected goes wrong during or after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I back up before updating?

Yes β€” for a major version update in particular, backing up with Time Machine or a similar tool beforehand is a good safety net in case something goes wrong.

Can updates install automatically?

Yes, turning on "Automatic updates" in the Software Update screen means future updates download and install on their own whenever they're released.