Where to find Mac updates

Open System Settings (called System Preferences on older Macs), then click General in the left sidebar. Look for Software Update — it's usually near the top. Click it, and your Mac will check whether updates are available. If one is ready, you'll see a button to install it right there.

On some older Macs running Big Sur or earlier, the path is slightly different: open System Preferences, click Software Update directly (no General step), and the same check happens. The location changed in Monterey and later, but the process is identical — your Mac connects to Apple's servers and reports what version you're running.

If you're not sure which macOS version you have, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select About This Mac. The version number appears at the top of the window. Knowing this helps you understand what updates are available, since Apple only offers updates that are newer than what you're running.

Key Takeaways

  • System Settings > General > Software Update is the standard path on modern Macs to check for and install updates.
  • Your Mac checks Apple's servers automatically, but you can also check manually whenever you want.
  • Major updates (like Monterey to Ventura) and smaller security updates both appear in the same place.
  • You can set your Mac to install updates automatically at night, so you don't have to remember to do it yourself.

What happens when you check for updates

When you click Software Update, your Mac connects to Apple's servers and compares your current version against what's available. This takes a few seconds. If nothing new exists, you'll see a message saying your Mac is up to date. If an update is ready, the screen shows the version number, file size, and a brief description of what's included.

Some updates are mandatory security patches that Apple recommends installing right away. Others are optional feature updates that add new tools or change how things work. The Software Update screen tells you which is which — security updates usually say "security update" in the description, while feature updates mention new capabilities.

Installing updates immediately versus scheduling them

When an update is ready, you have two choices: install it now, or let your Mac install it later. If you click Update Now, your Mac will restart (usually once, sometimes twice for larger updates) and install the software while it boots. This takes anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the update size and your Mac's speed. Close any open work first — you'll lose unsaved documents.

If you're not ready to restart, click Remind Me Later. Your Mac will ask again the next time you restart, or you can check back manually whenever you're ready. For major updates, you can also click Schedule (on newer Macs) to pick a specific time — usually late at night — when your Mac will install the update automatically while you're not using it.

Turning on automatic updates

You can set your Mac to install updates without asking. Go back to System Settings > General > Software Update and look for Automatic Updates (the exact name varies slightly by macOS version). Toggle it on. Your Mac will then download and install security updates in the background, usually at night, and restart if needed.

Automatic updates typically only apply to security patches and smaller maintenance releases. Major version upgrades (like jumping from Ventura to Sonoma) usually still require you to start the process manually, though your Mac will notify you when one is ready. This balance lets you stay secure without being surprised by a major change.

What to do if an update won't install

Sometimes an update fails partway through, or your Mac says it can't find the update even though one is available. First, restart your Mac completely — turn it off and back on — then check for updates again. Many temporary glitches clear up after a restart.

If that doesn't work, make sure you have enough free storage space. Updates need room to download and unpack, usually at least 10 to 20 gigabytes depending on the update size. Check your storage by clicking the Apple menu, selecting About This Mac, then clicking the Storage tab. If you're low on space, delete large files or old backups, then try the update again.

If the update still won't install after a restart and you've freed up space, try checking for updates again in a few hours. Sometimes Apple's servers are temporarily overloaded, especially right after a major release. If the problem persists for more than a day, you can also try restarting in Safe Mode (hold Shift while your Mac boots) and checking for updates from there, though this is rarely necessary.

Understanding what each type of update does

macOS updates come in three rough categories. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that could let hackers access your Mac — these are important to install quickly. Point releases (like 14.1 to 14.2) add small features and fix bugs without major changes. Major version updates (like Ventura to Sonoma) bring significant new features and redesigns, and they take longer to install.

The Software Update screen tells you which type you're looking at. Security updates usually mention "security" in the description. Point releases say something like "includes bug fixes and improvements." Major versions have longer descriptions listing new features. None of these categories is better or worse — they're just different sizes of change, and your Mac needs all of them to stay current and secure.

Checking update history and what was installed

If you want to see what updates your Mac has already installed, go back to System Settings > General > Software Update and scroll down. You'll see a list of recent updates with their dates. This is useful if you're trying to remember when you last updated, or if you want to confirm that a specific security patch made it onto your Mac.

You can also check the full version number in About This Mac (Apple menu > About This Mac). The version number tells you exactly what build you're running, which helps you confirm that a specific update installed correctly. If you see a version number that's older than an update you thought you installed, something may have gone wrong — try checking for updates again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check for updates?

You don't need to check manually if you turn on automatic updates — your Mac will handle it. If you prefer to update manually, checking once a month is reasonable, though security updates can come out more frequently. If you hear about a major security issue in the news, checking right away is a good idea.

Will updating my Mac slow it down?

Updates rarely make your Mac slower. Occasionally a major version update changes how your Mac manages memory or storage, which can feel different at first, but this usually settles down after a few days of normal use. If your Mac feels slow after an update, restarting it often helps, since the system is still indexing files in the background.

Can I use my Mac while an update is installing?

No. Updates require your Mac to restart, and you can't use it during installation. Plan for the update to take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size. Larger major version updates can take longer. Always save your work before starting an update.

What if I don't want to install a specific update?

You can skip individual updates by clicking Remind Me Later, but security updates are important for protecting your Mac from hackers. If you have a specific reason to wait (like software compatibility), you can delay for a week or two, but installing security updates within a month is recommended.

Do I need to be connected to the internet to check for updates?

Yes. Your Mac needs an internet connection to reach Apple's servers and see what updates are available. The download itself also requires internet, though a wired connection (Ethernet) is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for large updates.