Updating macOS

This comprehensive guide delivers clear, step-by-step instructions designed to walk you through the process of updating your macOS. Whether you're a seasoned Mac user or new to the ecosystem, you'll find easy-to-follow steps that ensure a smooth update experience, enhancing the performance and security of your device.

Jon Steen
10 steps

The update procedure may differ slightly depending on the version of macOS your device is currently running. The following section will guide you on how to identify the macOS version installed on your device.

Determining current OS version

Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.

Click "About This Mac"

In the "Overview" section of the "About This Mac" window, you can find the name of your macOS version, for instance, macOS Sonoma, alongside its version number, such as 14.4.1.

Update Instructions

**[[Update Instructions]]** - **macOS Big Sur 11.x.x** - To open Software Update preferences, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update. - **macOS Monterey 12.x.x** - To open Software Update preferences, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update. - **macOS Ventura 13.x.x** - To open Software Update settings, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down), then click Software Update on the right. - **macOS Sonoma 14.x.x** - To open these settings, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down), then click Software Update on the right. - **macOS 13 and beyond App Store updates** - To update software downloaded from the App Store, click the Apple menu—the number of available updates, if any, is shown next to App Store. Choose App Store to continue in the App Store app.

Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.

Click "System Settings…" or "System Preferences" depending on the currently installed OS.

macOS 11 & 12

Click "Software Update"

macOS 13 & 14

Click "General"

Click the Software Update

Follow On-screen Instructions

If an update is available, you should see it listed. Click on “Update Now” or “Upgrade Now” to begin the update process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

The installer will guide you through the steps necessary to complete the update. This might include agreeing to terms and conditions, selecting the drive where you want macOS 14 installed (if you have more than one drive), and restarting your computer.

Updating macOS

Jon Steen
10 steps

Determining current OS version

Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.

Click "About This Mac"

In the "Overview" section of the "About This Mac" window, you can find the name of your macOS version, for instance, macOS Sonoma, alongside its version number, such as 14.4.1.

Update Instructions

Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.

Click "System Settings…" or "System Preferences" depending on the currently installed OS.

macOS 11 & 12

Click "Software Update"

macOS 13 & 14

Click "General"

Click the Software Update

Follow On-screen Instructions

If an update is available, you should see it listed. Click on “Update Now” or “Upgrade Now” to begin the update process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.