Why update Mac OS?: Staying up to date is really important, as updates fix bugs and allow you to add performance enhancements to your computer. So keeping your devices and the applications you use up to date is one of the easiest and secure ways to get the most performance out of your system.
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If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date.
1 How to Use Software Update on Mac
Open System Preferences (you can click on the Apple logo in the menu to find it). Click on Software Update. Your computer will check for updates, and show that an update is available for your Mac.
To update software downloaded from the App Store, choose Apple menu App Store, then click Updates. Set your Mac to check for software updates automatically On your Mac, choose Apple menu System Preferences, then click Software Update.
How to Use Software Update on Mac
A Software Update feature is always included with any Mac OS. This feature allows you to update the operating system and key Apple software. By default, Apple sets Software Update to run once a week. You can run it however at any time by choosing System Preferences – Software Update pane. Just adjust the update schedule to suit your preferences, as you can choose daily or monthly settings (but generally, weekly updates are enough). You can choose the option Download Updates Automatically. In this case, the updates will be downloaded in the background. You’ll be notified by your computer when they are ready to install.
How to Update Non-Apple Apps?
As the Software Update works with Apple apps only, you should use other methods to update the third-party programs running on your computer, as each company has its own system for delivering updates. As a rule, you’ll see Check for Updates option in that application’s menu (either in the application name menu or in the Help section). Many apps check for updates automatically at defined periods or when you launch the app. Usually they ask if they should check for updates automatically, and experts recommend to click Yes always.
There also exist programs that manage the download and installation of software updates, such as Microsoft AutoUpdate or Adobe Update. These program can work for you, check for updates and install them in Mac OS X.
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How to Configure Software Update on Mac
Software Update can be configured so that updates are automatically downloaded on a regular basis. For this click on the Apple (Apple Menu) menu in the upper left hand corner and then select the System Preferences menu option. The System Preferences window should open.
In the System Preferences window, click on the Software Update icon. The Software Update configuration screen will open. Software Update will check for new and updated versions of your software based on information about your computer and current software. In this screen you can configure some basic options as to how Software Update will work on your computer. The Check Now button located in the center of the screen will allow you to instantly perform a search for new updates. The Check for updates checkbox allows to specify if the user wants to check for updates automatically. It also allows to define how frequently the user wishes to do so. The Download updates automatically button specifies if you would like software updates to be automatically downloaded to your Mac so that they are ready to be installed. It is also suggested that users keep both Check for updates and Download updates automatically checked and to perform these checks daily. If this option is enabled, it makes sure the user is notified of new updates as they occur in the event that there is a critical one that needs to be installed for the safety of the computer.
How to See What Updates Have Been Installed
If the user needs to see what updates have been previously installed on his or her Mac, the user can go into the Software Updates preferences screen, where the history of the updates can be seen. To access the Software Updates preferences screen, click on the Apple Menu (Apple icon) in the upper left hand corner. Then select the System Preferences menu option. When the System Preferences window opens, double-click on the Software Update icon. Once you are in the Software Update preferences screen, click on the Installed Software option. You will be shown another screen, on which you’ll see information about installed software, including the date when the software was installed, the name and the version of the software. When scrolling through the list of software, you will probably notice that the same software may be listed twice. This happens because they are different updates to the same application. Different version numbers will show you what software version has been installed last. With this information you can easily determine if you are using the latest version of a software installed on your Mac. On this screen you will also can click on the button Scheduled Check.
A Few Final Notes
Many of us understand that in order to keep our computers secure and operating efficiently it is very important that we always install software updates as soon as they become available, without delay. The updates not only fix existing issues with applications and the operating system. They also fix security vulnerabilities that can be used by computer viruses to penetrate and infect your computer. Unfortunately, many user feel that because they are using a Mac they are secure and thus may not be as diligent in updating their software. The reality, though, is that any operating system, regardless of who makes it, constantly introduces security vulnerabilities that need to be fixed. Therefore, it is important to remember that even Macs are vulnerable to computer infections. Thus updating your operating system and its installed applications so that they are using the latest versions and patches is imperative to having a healthy computer.
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When you upgrade to macOS Catalina, you get more of everything you love about Mac. Experience dedicated apps for music, TV, and podcasts. Smart new features in the apps you use every day. And Sidecar, which lets you use iPad as a second Mac display. Best of all, upgrading is free and easy.
Chances are, your Mac can run macOS Catalina.
Mac computers with Metal-capable graphics processors (GPUs) can upgrade to macOS Catalina.
Make sure you’re ready to upgrade.
Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. Then, if your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Catalina.
Upgrading is free. And easier than you think.
Upgrading from macOS Mojave?
Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find the macOS Catalina upgrade. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions to begin your upgrade. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.
Upgrading from an older version of macOS?
If you’re running High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), or El Capitan (10.11), upgrade to macOS Catalina from the App Store. If you’re running Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), you will need to upgrade to El Capitan (10.11) first. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.
OS X 10.9 or later
4GB of memory
12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.
For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:
MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)
Siri
Requires a broadband internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).
Hey Siri
Supported by the following Mac models:
Mac Os Updates In Order
MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
iMac Pro
Dictation, Voice Control, and Voice Memos
Requires a microphone (built-in or external).
Spotlight Suggestions
Requires a broadband internet connection.
Gestures
Requires a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse.
Force Touch gestures require a Force Touch trackpad.
VoiceOver gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, or Magic Trackpad.
Photo Booth
Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built-in or external), or USB video class (UVC) camera.
FaceTime
Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband internet connection.
Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external), or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband internet connection.
Apple TV
High Dynamic Range (HDR) video playback is supported by the following Mac models:
MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac Pro (2019) with Pro Display XDR
Dolby Atmos soundtrack playback is supported by the following Mac models:
MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
Sidecar
Supported by the following Mac models:
MacBook (2016 or newer)
MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
MacBook Pro (2016 or newer)
Mac mini (2018 or newer)
iMac (late 2015 or newer)
iMac Pro (2017 or newer)
Mac Pro (2019)
Supported by all iPad models with Apple Pencil support:
12.9-inch iPad Pro
11-inch iPad Pro
10.5-inch iPad Pro
9.7-inch iPad Pro
iPad (6th generation or later)
iPad mini (5th generation)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
Continuity Camera
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 12 or later.
Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup
Requires an iPhone with iOS 13 or an iPad with iPadOS.
Handoff
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.
Instant Hotspot
Requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity, a Lightning connector, and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.
Universal Clipboard
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 10 or later.
Auto Unlock
Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.
Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or an iPhone 5 or later.
Approve with Apple Watch
Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.
Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later or an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13.
Apple Pay on the Web
Requires MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later.
Phone Calling
Requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated carrier plan.
SMS
Requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated carrier plan.
Home
Requires an iPhone with iOS 12 or later and a configured Home app.
AirDrop
AirDrop to iOS and iPadOS devices requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 7 or later.
AirPlay
AirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).
AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).
Peer-to-peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.
Time Machine
Requires an external storage device (sold separately).
Power Nap
Supported by the following Mac models:
How To Update Ios Mac
MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
MacBook Pro with Retina display (Mid 2012 or newer)