Where to find Mac updates and how to install them
Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update. Your Mac will check for new versions of macOS and show you what is available. If an update is ready, you will see an "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now" button. Click it to begin the installation — your Mac will restart during the process, so close your work first.
The update process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed and how much storage space your Mac has. Your Mac will restart several times and may show a progress bar on the startup screen. You do not need to do anything during this time — just let it finish.
If you see a message that says your Mac is up to date, you already have the latest version. macOS checks for updates automatically once a week, so you will be notified when a new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Open System Settings, go to General, then Software Update to see what versions are available for your Mac.
- Updates install automatically if you have automatic updates turned on, but you can also install them manually by clicking Update Now.
- Your Mac will restart during the update, so save your work and close all programs before you begin.
- Updates usually take 15 to 45 minutes and may restart your Mac multiple times — this is normal and you should not interrupt it.
- If you see "Your Mac is up to date," you already have the latest version and do not need to do anything.
Turning on automatic updates so you do not have to check manually
macOS can install updates on its own without you having to remember to check. Open System Settings, click General, then click Software Update. Look for a button or toggle that says "Automatic Updates" or "Install system data and security updates" — the exact wording depends on your macOS version.
If you turn on automatic updates, your Mac will read and install updates in the background, usually overnight or when your Mac is plugged in and not in use. You may still see a notification asking you to restart, but the read and installation happen without you having to do anything. This is the easiest way to stay current because you do not have to remember to check.
Some updates require a restart before they take effect. If you see a notification that says your Mac needs to restart to finish an update, you can choose to restart now or be reminded later. The update will not fully install until you restart, so plan to do it when you are not using your Mac.
What to do if an update fails or gets stuck
If an update stops partway through or your Mac gets stuck on a loading screen, try restarting your Mac by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then pressing it again to turn it back on. Once it restarts, go back to System Settings and check Software Update again — your Mac will usually resume the update or tell you what went wrong.
If the same update keeps failing, your Mac may not have enough free storage space. Go to System Settings, click General, then click Storage to see how much space is available. macOS updates typically need at least 20 to 30 gigabytes of free space to install. If you are running low, delete large files you no longer need, empty your Trash, or move files to an external drive.
If you still cannot install the update after freeing up space, restart your Mac and try again. If it fails a second time, you can contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store — they can help diagnose what is preventing the update from installing.
Understanding macOS version numbers and what they mean
macOS version numbers tell you how new your system is. A version like macOS 14.2 means the major version is 14 and the minor update is 2. Major versions (like going from 13 to 14) come out once a year and add new features. Minor updates (like 14.1 to 14.2) come out more often and fix bugs or security problems.
You do not need to memorize version numbers, but it helps to know that a higher number means a newer system. If you see a major version update available (like macOS 15), it is a bigger change than a minor one (like 14.3 to 14.4). Major updates take longer to install and restart your Mac more times, but they are still safe to install.
Your Mac will tell you in System Settings what version you currently have and what version is available. If you want to know more details about what changed in an update, Apple publishes release notes on their website that list new features and fixes.
Checking for updates on older Macs running older macOS versions
If your Mac is very old, it may not be able to install the latest macOS version. Apple stops supporting older hardware after several years, which means your Mac cannot receive the newest operating system. You can still check what updates are available for your current version by opening System Preferences (not System Settings — older Macs use a different name), clicking Software Update, and looking for security updates or minor version updates.
Security updates are important even if you cannot upgrade to the newest macOS. They fix vulnerabilities that hackers could use to access your Mac. If you see a security update available, install it even if you cannot upgrade the major version.
If your Mac is so old that it no longer receives any updates at all, you can still use it, but it becomes riskier over time as security holes are discovered and not patched. Consider upgrading to a newer Mac if you use yours for sensitive tasks like banking or shopping online.
Why your Mac might say it cannot install an update
If System Settings tells you that an update is not available for your Mac, one of three things is usually happening: your Mac is already running the latest version, your Mac is too old to support the newest macOS, or your Mac does not meet the hardware requirements for that version.
Some newer macOS versions require a certain amount of RAM or a specific processor. For example, macOS 13 requires an Intel processor from 2015 or later, or an Apple Silicon chip. If your Mac is older than that, it straightforward cannot run the newer version. You can check what macOS version your Mac supports by looking up your Mac model on Apple's website.
If you are not sure whether your Mac can be updated further, open System Settings, click General, then click About. Look for the line that says "Model" or "Mac model" — search for that model name plus "maximum macOS version" online, and you will find out what the newest version your Mac can run is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to restart my Mac to install an update?
Yes. macOS updates always require at least one restart, and usually several. This is normal and necessary for the update to fully install. Save your work before you start an update and plan to have your Mac unavailable for 15 to 45 minutes.
Can I use my Mac while an update is installing?
You can use your Mac while it downloads an update, but once the installation begins, your Mac will restart and you will not be able to use it until the update finishes. Do not force shut down your Mac during an update — let it complete the restart cycle on its own.
What happens if I do not install updates?
Your Mac will continue to work, but it becomes less find over time. Updates fix bugs and close security holes that hackers could use. If you skip updates for months, your Mac becomes vulnerable to attacks. Installing updates regularly is the best way to keep your Mac safe.
Why is my Mac taking so long to update?
Large updates can take 30 to 45 minutes or longer depending on your internet speed, how much storage space you have, and how old your Mac is. Older Macs process updates more slowly. If your update has been stuck on the same screen for more than an hour, try restarting your Mac and checking System Settings again.
Can I schedule updates for a specific time?
macOS does not let you pick an exact time for updates, but you can turn on automatic updates and your Mac will install them when it is plugged in and not in use, usually overnight. If you want more control, turn off automatic updates and install them manually whenever you choose.