The safest way to update macOS is to check compatibility, back up your Mac, connect it to power, confirm that you have enough free storage, and install the update from System Settings or System Preferences. Do not interrupt the Mac while the update is installing, and allow extra time for several restarts.
Quick Answer
Before you update macOS:
- Check whether your Mac supports the update.
- Back up important files, preferably with Time Machine.
- Make sure you have plenty of free storage.
- Connect a MacBook to power and use a reliable internet connection.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Open System Settings > General > Software Update on newer versions of macOS, or Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update on older versions.
- Select Update Now, Upgrade Now, or the available update button.
- Keep the Mac connected to power and do not close its lid or force it to shut down.
- Afterward, verify that your apps, files, internet connection, and important settings work normally.
A macOS update may take anywhere from several minutes to more than an hour, depending on the update, Mac, storage speed, and internet connection.
Before You Update macOS
A software update is usually straightforward, but preparation helps prevent problems. Major macOS upgrades can change system behavior, require more storage, and affect older applications or accessories.
Check compatibility
Not every Mac can install every macOS release. To check which Mac you have:
- Open the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
- Select About This Mac.
- Note the Mac model and approximate year shown in the window.
Then review the compatibility information for the macOS version offered in Software Update or on Apple’s official macOS information page. If your Mac does not meet the requirements, do not try to force the installation using unofficial tools unless you fully understand the risks.
If Software Update does not offer a particular macOS upgrade, your Mac may not support it, the update may not be available for your model, or Apple may be offering a different update first.
Back up your Mac first
Warning: An update normally preserves your files, but no operating-system installation is completely risk-free. Back up important data before proceeding. Do not rely on files stored only on your Mac.
The simplest built-in option is Time Machine:
- Connect an external storage device with enough space for your backup.
- Open System Settings.
- Select General, then Time Machine.
- Select Add Backup Disk or the available option to choose a backup disk.
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
- Wait for the backup to finish before starting the macOS update.
On older macOS versions, open System Preferences, then select Time Machine.
For especially important files, consider a second backup method, such as copying documents to another external drive or a trusted cloud-storage service. Confirm that you can open a few backed-up files before updating.
Check free storage
macOS needs free space to download, prepare, and install an update. The exact requirement varies, especially between smaller updates and major upgrades. Having more free space than the minimum shown by the installer is safer because macOS also needs temporary working space.
To check storage:
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Select General, then Storage.
On older systems, choose About This Mac, select Storage, and open Manage if available.
If storage is low, remove files you no longer need, empty the Trash, uninstall unused applications, or move large personal files to an external drive. Do not delete system files just to create space. If you are unsure what a category contains, leave it alone until you can identify it.
Connect power and check the network
If you use a MacBook, connect it to power before beginning. An interrupted installation caused by a depleted battery can create serious problems.
Use a reliable Wi-Fi or wired internet connection. Avoid starting the update while connected to unstable public Wi-Fi, a mobile hotspot with a small data allowance, or a network that blocks Apple’s update services. You may need to enter an administrator password during installation.
Save work and close applications
Save documents in every open app before updating. The Mac may close apps and restart more than once.
Warning: Unsaved changes can be lost when applications close or the Mac restarts. Save your work manually instead of assuming an app will recover it.
If you use external displays, drives, hubs, or other accessories, disconnect anything that is not needed for the update. Keep essential input devices connected, particularly if you use a desktop Mac.
How to Install a macOS Software Update
Use Software Update whenever possible. It identifies updates intended for your Mac and provides the most direct installation process.
On newer versions of macOS
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Select General in the sidebar.
- Select Software Update.
- Wait while macOS checks for available updates.
- Review the update name and information.
- Select Update Now, Upgrade Now, Restart Now, or the button shown for the available update.
- Enter an administrator password if requested.
- Read and accept the license terms if macOS displays them.
- Allow the Mac to restart and complete the installation.
A smaller update may be labeled as a software update. A major move to a newer macOS release may be labeled as an upgrade. Both should be treated as system changes that require preparation.
On older versions of macOS
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Preferences.
- Select Software Update.
- Wait for the update check to finish.
- Select Update Now or Upgrade Now.
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
If the update is downloaded but does not start immediately, macOS may ask you to restart. Save your work, close your apps, and choose the restart option when ready.
What to Expect During Installation
The Mac may display a progress bar, a black screen, a blank screen, or a message asking you to wait. It can restart multiple times. The progress bar may also appear to pause for a long time.
Warning: Do not turn off the Mac, unplug a desktop Mac, close a MacBook’s lid, or disconnect its power during installation. Do not repeatedly press the power button because the screen appears inactive.
The installation time depends on the update size, available storage, Mac hardware, and internet speed. If the progress indicator has not changed for an unusually long period, first check whether the Mac is still responding. Avoid interrupting it unless you have a clear indication that the installation has failed.
If you must leave the Mac unattended, place it on a hard, stable surface with adequate ventilation. Do not cover it with clothing, bedding, or other materials that could restrict airflow.
Turn On Automatic macOS Updates
Automatic updates can help keep your Mac current, but you can choose which types of updates macOS installs automatically.
Configure automatic updates
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Select General, then Software Update.
- Select the information button next to Automatic Updates, if shown.
- Turn on or off the available options according to your preference.
Depending on your Mac and macOS version, the settings may include automatically checking for updates, downloading new updates, installing macOS updates, installing application updates from the App Store, and installing security responses or system files.
On older versions, open System Preferences, select Software Update, and select Advanced to view automatic-update choices.
Automatic installation does not eliminate the need for backups. Keep Time Machine or another backup method active, particularly before major upgrades.
Check Your Mac After the Update
After macOS starts again, spend a few minutes confirming that the update completed successfully.
- Open the Apple menu and select About This Mac to confirm the macOS version.
- Open System Settings > General > Software Update and check whether another restart or update is required.
- Open several important documents.
- Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, and any external display.
- Open applications you use regularly.
- Check that printers, scanners, storage devices, and other essential accessories work.
- Confirm that important settings, such as notifications, login items, and default applications, are still correct.
- Run a fresh backup after confirming that the Mac is working normally.
Some applications may need their own updates after macOS changes. Open the App Store, select Updates if available, and update App Store applications. For software installed from another source, use that developer’s update process.
Troubleshooting a Failed or Stuck macOS Update
Software Update cannot find an update
Check your internet connection and restart the Mac. Then open Software Update again. If no update appears, verify that the Mac is compatible and that you are signed in with an account permitted to install software.
If your organization manages the Mac, an administrator may control which updates are available. Contact the organization’s support team rather than changing management settings.
The update will not download
Make sure you have enough free storage and a stable connection. Temporarily move to a different trusted network if the current connection is unreliable. Restart the Mac and try again.
Avoid deleting partially downloaded system files manually. If repeated attempts fail, use Safe Mode or contact Apple Support rather than removing protected files.
The installation appears stuck
A progress bar can pause while macOS performs background work. Give it time, particularly during a major upgrade. If the Mac remains completely unresponsive for an extended period and you have no other option, hold the power button until it shuts down, wait briefly, and start it again.
Warning: Forcing a shutdown can interrupt the installation and should be a last resort. Make sure you have a current backup before attempting it whenever possible.
If the Mac starts normally, open Software Update and check the installation status. If it will not start or repeatedly returns to the installer, start in macOS Recovery and use the available repair or reinstall options. Reinstalling macOS from Recovery is intended to preserve personal files, but you should still have a backup before using it.
Apps stop working after the update
First, install updates for the affected apps. If an app is no longer supported, look for a newer version from its developer. Older applications may depend on system components that are no longer included in newer macOS releases.
If only one app is affected, contact that app’s developer. If many apps or system features fail, restart the Mac and check for another macOS update.
Wi-Fi, sound, or another device does not work
Restart the Mac and reconnect the affected device. Check System Settings for the relevant settings, such as Network, Sound, or Bluetooth. For printers and scanners, confirm that the manufacturer provides software compatible with your macOS version.
If an external drive does not appear, avoid reformatting it immediately. Reformatting can erase its contents. Try another cable or port, check Disk Utility, and back up the drive before making changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a macOS update take?
Small updates may finish relatively quickly, while major upgrades can take much longer. Download time depends on your internet connection, and installation time depends on the Mac and update. Plan for the Mac to be unavailable during the process and do not schedule the update immediately before an important meeting or deadline.
Will updating macOS delete my files?
A normal update or upgrade is designed to preserve your files, applications, and settings. However, unexpected failures, drive problems, or user mistakes can cause data loss. Back up before updating and never erase the Mac unless you specifically intend to remove its contents.
Should I update macOS immediately?
Install security and bug-fix updates promptly when practical. For a major upgrade, check compatibility with your essential apps, accessories, and work requirements first. If the Mac is used for critical work, you may prefer to wait until you have a verified backup and time to troubleshoot unexpected changes.
Can I use my Mac while macOS updates?
You can use the Mac while an update is downloading, but you cannot normally use it during the installation and restart stages. Save your work before selecting the installation button.
What happens if the Mac loses power during an update?
The result depends on when the interruption occurs. The Mac may resume, show an error, or fail to start normally. Connect the Mac to power before updating, and never intentionally interrupt the installation.
Do I need to update apps after updating macOS?
Often, yes. Updating applications can improve compatibility with the new system. Use the App Store for App Store apps and the developer’s official updater for software installed elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
To update macOS safely, prepare before you click the installation button: verify compatibility, create a backup, free up storage, connect power, and use a reliable network. Save your work and leave the Mac undisturbed while it installs. Afterward, confirm that the system and essential apps, devices, and files work normally before relying on the Mac for important tasks.