How to update Mac
When you update Mac, you get one of two things: a small update that fixes bugs and security problems in your version of macOS, or a new major version with a new name. Both come from the same place, and a new version appears only if your Mac supports it. Before a major update, back up and make sure the disk has free space: this guide covers that, the update itself, automatic updates and updating apps.
Before you update
- Back up your Mac. Apple advises it before installing any new software. See how to back up a Mac.
- Check free space. Open System Settings › General › Storage. If the disk is almost full, the update may refuse to install: see how to free up space on Mac.
- Plug in a MacBook and save your work. The Mac restarts during the update.
How to update macOS
- Choose Apple menu › System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then Software Update.
- Wait while the Mac checks for updates. To check again, click Check for Updates or press Command-R.
- Click the button to update, upgrade or restart now. Its name depends on what was found. Enter your administrator password when asked.
- Leave the Mac on, with the lid open, until the update is finished. It may restart several times and show a progress bar or a blank screen.
An update or a new version of macOS?
A minor update stays within your version, for example from macOS 26.3 to 26.4. It fixes bugs and security problems and installs quickly. A major release moves to a new version with a new name, for example from macOS 26 to macOS 27. It takes longer, needs more free space, and changes how things look and work.
Software Update shows only what is compatible with your Mac. If it doesn’t offer the newest version of macOS, your Mac can’t run it, and minor updates for your current version are still worth installing.
A major version changes a lot at once. If you rely on a particular app, check its website before you upgrade to see whether it supports the new macOS.
How to turn on automatic updates
- Open System Settings › General › Software Update.
- Click the Info button (i) next to Automatic Updates.
- Turn on what the Mac may do by itself, then click Done.
- Download new updates when available: downloads updates without asking.
- Install macOS updates: installs them too.
- Install Security Responses and system files: installs urgent security fixes. It’s best to keep this one on.
A MacBook downloads updates automatically only while its power adapter is plugged in.
How to update apps
Apps from the App Store update in the App Store. The number of waiting updates appears next to App Store in the Apple menu. Open the App Store, click Updates in the sidebar, then click Update next to an app or Update All. To have it done for you, choose App Store › Settings and turn on Automatic Updates.
Apps downloaded from the web aren’t updated by the App Store. Most of them check for updates on launch or have a Check for Updates item in the app’s menu.
Keep your Mac tidy
MacWashing doesn’t install updates. If Software Update says there isn’t enough space, System Junk frees some by clearing app caches, logs and leftovers of deleted apps.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Why doesn’t my Mac show the new version of macOS?
Software Update offers only versions that support your Mac model. If the newest one doesn’t appear, your Mac isn’t compatible with it, or the release isn’t out yet.
Do I need to back up before I update Mac?
Apple recommends it. Updates rarely go wrong, but a backup is the only way back if something does, especially before a major version.
What if there isn’t enough space for the update?
Free up space first: empty the Trash, delete old downloads and large files you don’t need, clear caches. Then open Software Update again.