How to Update Your Mac: Software Update Step by Step

Updates keep your Mac safe and running smoothly. Here’s how to update your Mac: back up first with Time Machine, then System Settings, General, Software Update, Update Now, and restart. Plus the difference between Update Now and Upgrade Now, Automatic Updates, and updating your apps in the App Store.

How to update your Mac, step by step

1Step 1: Back up first with Time Machine

Before a big update, make a fresh backup. Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and choose Back Up Now.

WHAT TO DONo backup drive yet? See our video, How to Back Up Your Important Files.

Update your Mac: Step 1: Back up first with Time Machine

2Step 2: System Settings → General → Software Update → Update Now

Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update. Your Mac checks for updates.

WHAT TO DOClick Update Now and enter your Mac’s password if asked. Keep a laptop plugged in.

Step 2: System Settings → General → Software Update → Update Now

3Step 3: Restart to install

When the download is ready, click Restart Now. Your Mac shows the Apple logo and a progress bar.

WHAT TO DOLeave it alone until it’s done. It may restart more than once. Keep the lid open and the charger connected.

Step 3: Restart to install

4Step 4: Turn on Automatic Updates

In Software Update, click the info button next to Automatic updates.

WHAT TO DOTurn on all four options, especially Install Security Responses and system files, then click Done.

Step 4: Turn on Automatic Updates

5Step 5: Update your apps in the App Store

Apple menu → App Store. Click Updates in the sidebar.

WHAT TO DOClick Update All. Apps you got outside the App Store usually update themselves: say yes when they ask.

Step 5: Update your apps in the App Store

Update Now, or Upgrade Now?

Update Now — Fixes and security updates for the macOS you have. Install them soon
Upgrade Now — A whole new version of macOS. Back up first, and check your important apps
Not sure? Ask us first — Especially for business software, printers and older Macs

Good to know

Back after the summer? — Your Mac may need several updates. Plug in and give it time
“Your Mac is up to date” — That’s what you want to see. Check once a month
Older Macs stop getting updates — If it no longer gets security updates, it’s time to talk to us
Real updates come from Apple — Never from a pop-up, an email link, or a phone call

Recap: how to update your Mac

Back up with Time Machine
System Settings → General → Software Update
Update Now, then Restart Now
Upgrade Now? Back up and check apps first
Turn on Automatic Updates
App Store → Updates → Update All

Printable quick guide

Update Your Mac (Software Update, App Store) (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How do I update my Mac?

Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click General, then Software Update. Click Update Now, enter your Mac’s password if asked, then click Restart Now when it’s ready. Keep a laptop plugged in.

What’s the difference between Update Now and Upgrade Now?

Update Now installs fixes and security updates for the version of macOS you already have; install those soon. Upgrade Now installs a whole new version of macOS. Back up first, and make sure your important apps and printers will still work.

Should I turn on Automatic Updates?

Yes. In Software Update, click the info button next to Automatic updates and turn the options on, especially Install Security Responses and system files. Your Mac installs updates when it’s plugged in and not in use.

How do I update apps on my Mac?

Open the App Store, click Updates in the sidebar, and click Update All. Apps you downloaded from a website usually update themselves: say yes when they ask.

My Mac doesn’t get updates anymore. What now?

Older Macs eventually stop getting macOS updates. If yours no longer gets security updates, call Naples Computers at 239-513-1960 to talk about your options.

Real updates come from Apple’s Software Update and the App Store, never from a pop-up, an email link or a phone call. Naples Computers never cold-calls customers to get on your computer.

How to Update Your Mac