If your Mac runs macOS 13 Ventura, you have the privilege of receiving real-time security updates separately from regular macOS updates.

This is a smart choice for those who want a bit more control over when their Mac updates, and we prefer this option as it allows you to create a backup with Get Backup Pro to secure your files before running the update. You can choose to have your Mac check for updates automatically, but not download them. Keep in mind you have a bit of control here, too. Next time you're thinking 'how do I upgrade my operating system on my Mac?' remember this two-step process.įor a Mac to automatically update, it must be connected to power. That's all you need to do! Your Mac will tell you if there's an upgrade available for you. From the menu bar on your Mac, select the Apple icon on the top left and go to 'System Preferences'.

You may be wondering 'how do I upgrade my Mac operating system?' Once you learn how to backup your Mac and optimize it (you’ll find the instructions below), here's how you update your Mac:

How to prepare your Mac for an OS update.

How to update a Mac running macOS High Sierra or earlier.

How to install macOS updates on an unsupported Mac.

Here we'll show you how to prepare your Mac for an update, the right way to update macOS to the latest version of OS X or macOS, and some apps that make the process much smoother. Your macOS operating system – or OS X, for older versions of macOS – can be updated each Fall, so long as Apple is still supporting your device. The annual Apple Mac update cycle often brings iterative tweaks, but some years have major changes. Get Setapp, a toolkit with fixes for all Mac problemsĮach year, Apple makes improvements to macOS, the operating system (OS) you use on your Mac.

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