Did you know your Mac checks for new software updates like Windows to keep your system secure against malware?

Automatic updates make things easier, but updating macOS needs proper preparation and the right approach. You should back up your device and follow specific security steps before starting the update process. This includes entering your administrator’s password to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Your Mac’s operating system update might seem overwhelming at first. The multiple restarts and progress indicators can make anyone nervous. We’ve created this detailed guide to help you update macOS safely and quickly. Our step-by-step instructions will help you perform routine software updates or upgrade to the latest version.

Let’s take a closer look at the safest way to update your Mac and protect your valuable data.

Preparing Your Mac Before the Update

Your Mac needs proper preparation to update smoothly without any troubles. A few minutes of preparation now can save you hours of troubleshooting later. Here’s how you can get your Mac ready for the update.

Creating a complete backup with Time Machine

Your Mac needs a complete backup before any major changes. Apple’s Time Machine tool makes backing up simple:

1. Connect an external hard drive or SSD to your Mac
2. Select “Use as Backup Disk” when prompted or go to System Settings > Time Machine
3. Click “Add Backup Disk” and select your external drive
4. Click “Backup Now” to begin right away

Time Machine creates backups of your files and local snapshots every hour that stay for up to 24 hours. You can recover older versions of files from these snapshots even without connecting your backup disk.

Checking system compatibility for your macOS version

The latest operating system might not work on every Mac. Check your current macOS version through the Apple menu by selecting “About This Mac.” Visit Apple’s support website to check which versions work with your Mac.

More Macs become incompatible with newer versions each year. On top of that, it becomes impossible to run older macOS versions designed for Intel processors on Macs with M-series chips due to their different architecture.

Freeing up necessary disk space

You need at least 20GB of free space to install a new macOS version according to Apple. Some experts recommend 25GB for bigger updates. Your Mac works best when 10-15% of total drive space stays empty.

The Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage shows available space. Here’s how to create more space:

• Empty trash and downloads folder
• Remove unused applications
• Delete large media files or move them to external storage
• Clear browser caches and system junk

Closing all running applications

Close every open application before updating. This stops data loss from unsaved work and helps prevent update issues. Your computer might become unstable if applications stay open during updates.

Press Option+Command+Esc to force quit any stubborn app. Select the app that’s not responding and click “Force Quit”.

How to Update Mac OS Using Software Update

Software Update stands out as the quickest way to keep your Mac up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. This method needs less storage space and displays only compatible updates that work with your specific Mac model.

Accessing the Software Update tool

Your macOS version determines how you’ll reach Software Update:

1. Click the Apple menu (⌘) in the top-left corner of your screen
2. For newer macOS versions: Select “System Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”
3. For older macOS versions: Select “System Preferences” > “Software Update”
4. You can also use Spotlight (press Command+Space) to search for “Software Update”

Software Update starts checking for available updates right after you open it.

Understanding update vs. upgrade options

Apple makes a key difference between updates and upgrades:

• Updates give you newer versions of your current macOS (e.g., macOS Sonoma 14.5 to 14.6). These pack security patches and bug fixes.
• Upgrades bring completely new macOS versions with a new name (e.g., upgrading from Ventura to Sonoma).

Installing available updates

Software Update will show new software. Here’s what to do next:

1. Click “Update Now” or “Upgrade Now” based on what’s available
2. Type your administrator password when asked
3. Let the installation finish without putting your Mac to sleep
4. Your Mac might restart multiple times during installation

Mac users with older versions (before Mojave) can find updates in the App Store’s “Updates” tab.

Setting up automatic updates

You can set up automatic updates this way:

1. Open Software Update as shown above
2. Click the info button (ⓘ) next to “Automatic Updates”
3. Toggle your priorities:
   • “Download new updates when available”
   • “Install macOS updates”
   • “Install application updates from the App Store”
   • “Install Security Responses and system files”

Think over your needs before turning on automatic updates. While most users find this convenient, major updates might affect how older applications work.

How to Update Mac OS Manually Through the App Store

The App Store offers the quickest way to update your Mac, especially when you have older macOS versions or Software Update isn’t working right. Let me show you this alternative method.

Finding macOS updates in the App Store

The App Store application lives in your Dock or Applications folder. Users of newer App Store versions will see a streamlined interface similar to the iOS App Store, thanks to the macOS Mojave redesign. The Updates section in the sidebar displays all available updates. You can also find the latest version by searching for “macOS” in the search bar. Direct App Store links help access specific versions for older macOS (10.13, 10.14, 10.15).

The App Store icon shows a badge suggesting the number of available updates.

Downloading the update package

The process starts after you locate your desired macOS update. Click the “Download” or “GET” button next to your chosen macOS version. The App Store might redirect newer macOS versions to Software Update. You’ll need your administrator password to start the download. Your Applications folder automatically stores the installation file.

Installation process walkthrough

The downloaded macOS installer appears in your Applications folder. It should launch automatically, but you can start it manually if needed. The on-screen instructions guide you through the installation. Your Mac needs power and stable internet throughout the process. Multiple restarts may occur during installation.

Note that older macOS versions (High Sierra and earlier) require App Store downloads instead of Software Update installations.

The App Store’s Settings menu includes an “Automatic Updates” option. This feature keeps your apps current without manual updates.

Advanced Methods to Update Mac OS System

macOS provides advanced update methods that give tech-savvy users and those with specific update needs more flexibility and control. These techniques extend beyond standard update processes when users need specialized solutions.

Using Terminal commands for updates

The Terminal provides the quickest way to update macOS through the softwareupdate utility. Users can continue working on their Mac during downloads. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Terminal from Applications/Utilities
2. Type softwareupdate -l and press Enter to see available updates
3. Install specific updates with sudo softwareupdate -i [NAME] (use quotes for names with spaces)
4. Or install all updates with sudo softwareupdate -i -a

This command-line approach proves more reliable than the preference pane for many users. Users can install updates in the background while working on other tasks.

Creating a bootable installer for major upgrades

Bootable installers are a great way to get updates when internet access is limited or when you need to upgrade multiple Macs. The creation process involves:

• Format a USB drive (minimum 16GB) using Disk Utility with Mac OS Extended format
• Download the macOS installer from the App Store or using softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer
• Use Terminal to run the createinstallmedia command: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [Version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/[DriveName]

You can boot from this drive by holding the Option key (Intel Macs) or power button (Apple Silicon Macs) during startup.

Performing a clean installation

Clean installations help fix persistent problems by giving your Mac a fresh start. You have two main options:

Newer Macs with M1/M2 or T2 security chips can use “Erase All Content and Settings” from System Settings. This option restores factory settings quickly while preserving core macOS files.

You can also boot into Recovery mode by holding Command+R during startup, then select “Reinstall macOS”. Your Mac model and key combinations determine which macOS version gets restored – either the latest compatible version or the original version that came with your Mac.

Note that backing up your data is essential before any clean installation.

Verifying Your Update and Post-Update Steps

Your macOS update needs a few verification steps to make sure everything works right. A quick check now saves trouble later and helps your Mac run smoothly.

Checking your current macOS version

You can check your Mac’s operating system version through three simple ways:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner, then select About This Mac. The macOS version shows up right away. You can click the version number to see the exact build number.
2. Another way leads through System Settings > General > About where you’ll find both the macOS version and build number.
3. Tech-savvy users can open Terminal and type sw_vers. This shows ProductName, ProductVersion, and BuildVersion details.

The version check helps you know which apps work with your system and what features you can use.

Resolving common post-update issues

Update problems can pop up but they’re usually easy to fix:

Your Mac might feel sluggish after an update. The first thing to check is storage space. Apple suggests keeping 10-20% of your startup disk free.

SMC and NVRAM/PRAM resets might help with stubborn performance issues, especially those related to power management.

Apps that crash after updates usually need their own updates since developers adapt their software to work with new macOS versions.

Updating your applications

Fresh app updates keep your system secure and compatible:

App Store applications need a quick visit to the Updates tab. You can update each app separately or hit Update All.

Apps from outside the App Store usually update through their menu bar. Launch the app, click its name up top, and look for Check for Updates.

Optimizing system performance after updating

These steps help your Mac perform its best:

Your system needs maintenance tasks that reindex Spotlight, fix disk permissions, and clear the DNS cache.

Activity Monitor shows which processes eat up resources and slow down your system.

Remove extra startup items that load each time you log in.

Regular cleanup of accumulated cache files helps maintain your system’s speed.

If you are searching for installing Apple software update on Windows, you can check the post How to Install Apple Software Update for Windows?

Conclusion

Your Mac needs regular updates to perform at its best and stay secure. In this piece, we’ve looked at several ways you can safely update macOS – from the simple Software Update tool to advanced Terminal commands.

A successful update starts with good preparation. Your backups, system compatibility checks, and sufficient disk space will substantially reduce update-related issues.

You can choose between automatic updates or manual control. By doing this, you’ll protect your data while keeping your Mac current with the latest features and security patches.

The process doesn’t end with the update. You need to verify it and optimize your system afterward. Your Mac will run smoothly when you regularly maintain it, update apps, and check its performance.

Give your Mac the care it needs. A properly updated system will be your reliable companion for years.

FAQs

Suman Rana

I’m a passionate tech enthusiast with over 2 years of experience, dedicated to exploring innovations and simplifying complex topics. I strive to deliver insightful content that keeps readers informed and ahead in the ever-evolving world of technology. Stay tuned for more!