So, you’re ready to update your Mac? Excellent! Keeping your macOS up to date is super important for security and getting the latest features. It might seem a bit daunting if you’re new to Mac, but don’t worry, I’ve put together a simple guide to walk you through it safely.
This guide will cover everything from checking if your Mac is ready to actually running the update and what to do if you hit a snag. Let’s get your Mac running smoothly!
Why Update Your macOS?
Think of macOS updates like giving your Mac a health check and a security boost. Apple regularly releases updates and larger upgrades that fix security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit, improve performance, and add new features. Installing these updates promptly helps keep your data safe and your Mac running efficiently.
Getting Your Mac Ready for an Update
Before you start the update process, it’s always a good idea to do a little preparation. This helps ensure everything goes smoothly.
1. Check Compatibility
First off, you need to know if your Mac can run the latest version of macOS. Software Update, the built-in tool you’ll use, will only show you software that is compatible with your specific Mac model.
If you want to check manually first, you can find your Mac model and year by clicking the Apple icon () in the top left corner of your screen and choosing About This Mac. A window will pop up with your Mac’s details. You can then compare this with compatibility lists available for different macOS versions. For instance, macOS Sonoma 14 is compatible with MacBook models from 2017 and later, MacBook Air/Pro from 2018 and later, and many other newer Macs. macOS Sequoia 15 has slightly different requirements, generally needing Macs from 2018/2019 or later, or Apple Silicon models.
2. Back Up Your Mac
This is perhaps the most crucial step before installing new software. While updates usually go fine, having a backup means you can restore your files if anything unexpected happens.
Apple’s built-in backup tool is Time Machine. If you have an external hard drive, Time Machine can automatically back up all your files, apps, music, photos, emails, and documents. You can also use iCloud to sync and store data like photos, contacts, and documents. Another simple way is to manually drag important files like photos, videos, or documents to an external drive.
Choose the method that works best for you, but please, make a backup!
3. Free Up Storage Space
macOS updates, especially major version upgrades, can take up a fair bit of space. The installer itself needs room, and the installation process often requires additional temporary space. If your Mac doesn’t have enough storage, the update might fail.
You can check how much storage space you have available by going to the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences in older versions), clicking General (or About This Mac), and then selecting Storage. This shows you how your storage is being used.
If you’re running low, here are some quick ways to free up space:
- Optimise storage: Your Mac has built-in tools to help with this, like using iCloud to store files.
- Delete files in your Downloads folder.
- Empty your Recycling Bin. Files in the Bin still take up space until you empty it.
- Uninstall apps you no longer use.
- Delete old iPhone or iPad backups if you create them on your Mac.
- Delete music, films, or podcasts you can easily stream or download again.
A 32 GB flash drive is typically sufficient for creating a bootable installer, and 16 GB for most earlier macOS versions. This gives you a rough idea of the space installers can take.
4. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection
Your Mac needs a stable internet connection during the download and installation process to get necessary files like firmware specific to your Mac model. Make sure you’re connected to reliable Wi-Fi or even use an Ethernet cable if possible.
How to Find and Install the Update
Once you’ve prepared your Mac, finding and installing the update is straightforward.
1. Open Software Update
The easiest way to find macOS updates and upgrades is through Software Update.
- Go to the Apple menu in the corner of your screen.
- Choose System Settings (or System Preferences in earlier macOS versions).
- Click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right.
- Alternatively, you can use Spotlight Search (the magnifying glass in the menu bar) and type “Software Update”.
Software Update will automatically check for new software compatible with your Mac.
2. Download and Install
If an update or upgrade is available, you’ll see an Update or Upgrade button. Click it to begin.
- An update is a newer version of the macOS you already have (e.g., from Ventura 13.6 to Ventura 13.7).
- An upgrade is a jump to a completely new version with a different name (e.g., from Ventura to Sonoma).
You’ll be asked to enter your administrator password – this is the password you use to log in to your Mac.
3. Patience is Key
Allow the installation to complete without closing your Mac’s lid or letting it go to sleep. Your Mac might restart several times during the process and show a progress bar or a blank screen. This is normal.
Some users have noted that Apple updates can sometimes take a surprisingly long time to install, even on newer machines. While a minor update might take around 20-45 minutes, a major upgrade could potentially take hours. This can be due to the size of the update (a 12GB installer can require over 45GB of SSD space for the process) and the fact that macOS updates are quite comprehensive, integrating operating system, drivers, and even system BIOS updates all at once. Just let it do its thing!
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If you encounter an error message during the download, preparation, or installation, don’t panic. Here are a few things the sources suggest trying:
- Check storage space and internet connection again.
- If you got a message that the installer is damaged, delete the one you have and download it again from Apple after repairing your startup disk with Disk Utility.
- Installing the update from macOS Recovery can help prevent other software from interfering.
- You can also try repairing your startup disk using Disk Utility from macOS Recovery.
- In rare cases on newer Macs, you might need to revive or restore Mac firmware.
- If persistent issues occur, Apple Support suggests erasing your Mac and resetting it to factory settings, though this is a last resort.
If you get stuck or the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support.
You’re All Set!
Keeping your macOS updated is a fundamental part of maintaining your Mac’s health and security. By following these steps – checking compatibility, backing up your data, ensuring enough space and a stable internet connection, and using Software Update – you can navigate the process confidently.
Hopefully, this guide has made the process clear and easy for you. Happy updating!
