Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support (original) (raw)

• Use Software Update to get updates
• If Software Update doesn’t show an update
• What’s new in the latest updates

Software Update finds, downloads, and installs Apple software updates and upgrades* that are compatible with your Mac model. Before installing new software, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.

1. Open Software Update:
   • From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings. In the window that opens, click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right. (In earlier versions of macOS, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences instead, then click Software Update.)
   • Or use Spotlight to search for “Software Update,” then click to open it from the search results.
   • If your older Mac doesn’t have Software Update, use other ways to download and install macOS.
2. When Software Update opens, it automatically checks for new software. If new software is available for your Mac, click the Update button, Upgrade button, or Restart Now button to install it.
   
3. If new software isn't available for your Mac, Software Update says that your Mac is up to date. To check again, click Check for Update, press Command-R on your keyboard, or close and reopen Software Update.
   
4. Before installation begins, you’re asked to enter your administrator password. It's the password you use to log in to your Mac. Forgot your password?
5. Allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times.

Learn what to do if an error occurs during installation or your Mac doesn’t start up all the way.

Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac model. If your Mac doesn’t need or isn't compatible with an update or upgrade, Software Update doesn't offer it to you and says that your Mac is up to date. These are the most recent macOS upgrades and the computers that can use them:

• macOS Tahoe 26 is compatible with these computers
• macOS Sequoia 15 is compatible with these computers
• macOS Sonoma 14 is compatible with these computers
• macOS Ventura 13 is compatible with these computers
• macOS Monterey 12 is compatible with these computers
• macOS Big Sur 11 is compatible with these computers
• macOS Catalina 10.15 is compatible with these computers
• What’s new in the updates for macOS Tahoe 26
• What’s new in the updates for macOS Sequoia 15
• What’s new in the updates for macOS Sonoma 14
• What’s new in the updates for macOS Ventura 13
• What’s new in the updates for macOS Monterey 12
• What’s new in the updates for macOS Big Sur 11
• What’s new in the updates for macOS Catalina 10.15

Use Software Update settings to control which updates your Mac downloads or installs automatically.

* An update is a minor new release of the currently installed macOS or other software, such as an update from macOS Sequoia 15.4 to macOS Sequoia 15.5. An upgrade is a major new release of macOS with a new name, such as an upgrade from macOS Sequoia to macOS Tahoe. Learn more about Apple software updates.

Published Date: October 17, 2025