Not updating your Mac to the latest macOS version can be one of the major reasons for app incompatibility or unstable performance. The same also makes your Mac prone to attacks as the new macOS updates often come with new and improved security patches. There is no denying that having an up-to-date macOS version on your Macintosh is one of the best practices to keep your system safe and sound.
With that said, in this guide, we are going to take you through the steps that are required to check for macOS updates and install them on your machine. This guide is also going to show you how you can enable and configure automatic updates on your Mac so that it gets automatically updated whenever a new update is available. So, let’s get started.
How to Update Your macOS
The process for updating macOS versions is slightly different depending on which macOS version you are currently using.
Here we have provided steps to check and install the update for every mainstream macOS version that is currently running, and that also includes the latest macOS.
Here are the steps you can follow to update macOS:
1. Open up the System Settings from the Apple Menu in the top-left of the screen. Click on the Apple logo and select the System Settings option.
2. You can also open it from the Applications Dock if you have it there.
3. Once the System Settings window is open. Locate and click on the General tab from the left pane.
4. Next, click on the Software Update option to check if there is any update available for your Mac.
5. This will open up the Software Update setting and will start checking for updates.
6. If there is any update available, click on the Update Now button to initiate the installation of the update.
How to Enable Automatic Updates in macOS
However, if you don’t want to manually check and install the latest version of macOS, you can enable automatic updates. On the Software Update Setting screen, you can also enable and configure the Automatic Updates for your Mac.
To do so, you can follow the following steps:
1. Click on the ‘i‘ button associated with the Automatic Updates option.
2. This will bring up a list of options that you can enable or disable based on your preferences.
So, based on the available options you can enable or disable the ones you want to configure the Automatic Updates settings as per your liking.
How to Upgrade Your Mac to the Latest macOS
Upgrading your Mac to the latest macOS version ensures you get the most recent features, enhanced security, and improved performance.
Apple typically releases a new major version of macOS every year in the fall, usually around September or October.
Each new version brings exciting updates, whether it’s better privacy controls, enhanced performance, or new apps and functionalities.
However, not all Mac devices can upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
If your device is compatible with the latest version of macOS, here are the steps you can follow to upgrade your Mac to the latest version of macOS:
1. Open System Settings.
2. Click on the General and select the Software Update option.
3. If there is any macOS upgrade available, you will get an option to install it. Click on the Upgrade Now button.
4. Now, click on the Agree button to accept the software license agreement for macOS. After that, enter your system password and wait for the installation process to complete.
5. Once done, restart your device to apply the upgrade.
Conclusion
That’s it. This is how you can check for macOS updates and upgrades, and install them on your Mac system. Keeping your macOS up to date is crucial if you want optimal performance, security, and access to the latest features. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily navigate the process of updating your Mac to the latest version of macOS.
As additional safety measures, remember to back up your data, ensure sufficient storage space, and stay connected to the internet. Also, keep your Mac connected to power during the update process.
