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SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.

Check for macOS updates

Install available security and system improvements.

Mac · macOSAbout 4 minutes7 steps · 7 with pictures
Follow along on your device

Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.

STEP 1 OF 7

Prepare your Mac

Back up important files, save your work and connect the charger.

FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR SCREEN01
Example Before updating screen with Backup and power highlighted.
Your screen may look slightly different
Take your time. There’s no rush.
Prefer to see all the steps together?+

STEP 1

Prepare your Mac

Back up important files, save your work and connect the charger.

Example Before updating screen with Backup and power highlighted.
Step 1

STEP 2

Open the Apple menu

Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.

Example screen with open the apple menu highlighted.
Step 2

STEP 3

Open System Settings

Click System Settings.

Example screen with open system settings highlighted.
Step 3

STEP 4

Open General

In the sidebar on the left, click General.

Example screen with open general highlighted.
Step 4

STEP 5

Click Software Update

Example screen with click software update highlighted.
Step 5

STEP 6

Read the available update

If an update is offered, read its details and click Update, Upgrade or Restart Now as shown. Enter your Mac administrator password if asked.

Up to date means no compatible update is being offered for this Mac; it does not mean every Mac runs the same version.

Read the update details on your own Mac before selecting Update Now. Save your work and keep the charger connected.

Apple’s macOS Tahoe Software Update window with Update Now at the top right.
Step 6

STEP 7

Let installation finish

Keep the lid open and let the installation finish without putting the Mac to sleep. A blank screen or several restarts can be normal.

Example Installation screen with Installation progress highlighted.
Step 7

IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT

A little help along the way.

Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.

I cannot find that option+

Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.

I need to go back a step+

Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.

Are these pictures of my device?+

They are example screens showing exactly where to click. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.

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