Update (macOS) - How to run macOS updates

Owned by Jamison Smith
Last updated: Jun 13, 2023
2 min read

This article explains the MacOS update process that users will see on their machines. A MacOS update is a system update that is released by Apple to improve security or to add new features.

MacOS updates are set to run once per week. A window will pop up to alert the user that updates are needed and give the option to defer those updates for a limited time.

  • This is an example of the pop-up users will see.

    Screenshot of Manage application update action

 

 

Follow these steps to begin updates:

  • Click the Dropdown menu to select your preference of when to begin updating

  • Click Submit.

  • Once started, updates will run in the background.

Restart Needed

  • If a restart is needed at the end of updates, you should get a notification to restart like the one below.

    Screenshot of the update restart option

  • To kick updates off manually follow these steps:

  • Click System Settings from the dock.

  • Click General, then click Software Updates.

  • Click Restart.

 

  • The computer should restart and run any updates needed.