Mac OS X: Updating your software
Summary
Apple frequently releases downloadable software updates. The Software Update feature in Mac OS X makes it very easy to determine and get exactly what you need.
Products Affected
Mac OS X 10.1, Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5
Update now
Getting updates immediately (Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 or later)
- From the Apple menu, choose Software Update... .
Apple menu in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Apple menu in Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4 - Mac OS X 10.3.x only: Click the Check Now button.
- Software Update checks for available updates. In the Software Update window, select the items you want to install, then click Install. Usually, you should install all available updates.
- Enter an administrator account name and password when prompted.
- After installation finished, restart the computer if a restart is required.
You can repeat these steps to see if more updates are now available. Because some software updates are prerequisites for others, you may need to repeat these steps several times to complete the software update sequence.
Note: Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard can automatically run Software Update checks in the background and let you know when an update is available for your computer.
Getting updates immediately (Mac OS X 10.2.8 or earlier)
- From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
- From the View menu, choose Software Update.
- Click the Update Now button.
- In the Software Update window, select the items you want to install, then click Install.
- Enter an administrator account name and password.
- After the update is complete, restart the computer if a restart is required.
Repeat these steps to see if more updates are now available. Because some software updates are prerequisites for others, you may need to repeat these steps several times to complete the software update sequence.
Additional Information
Scheduling an update
Software Update preferences (in System Preferences) lets you schedule automatic checks for updates. It's set to automatically check every week by default. You can change the check interval from weekly to daily or monthly, or you can turn off scheduled checks if you want.
Mac OS X 10.5 and later allows you set Software Update to download important updates automatically. You will be notified when the updates are ready to be installed.
Hiding certain updates
Sometimes you may see an update in the Software Update list that you don't need. Rather than having to see an unwanted update every time you check, you can hide it.
Using standalone installers from Apple Support Downloads
Sometimes a standalone installer may be more useful than the automatic Software Update feature. Examples include when you:
- Anticipate needing the file again later.
- Need to install on multiple computers and need a portable file.
- Have a faster Internet connection available to you at another computer.
- Have no Internet connection on the computer that needs the update.
You can get standalone copies of many Apple software updates from Apple Suppoer Downloads.
Carefully read the stated system requirements before using a standalone installer. Be sure to install them in the correct order when applicable, or only on compatible computers when applicable.
A note on reference releases and update vs. upgrade
Mac OS X 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 themselves are not downloadable updates, they are reference releases, also called upgrades. This means, for example, you can't upgrade from Mac OS X 10.3 to Mac OS X 10.5 via a downloadable installer. Reference releases are available from the Apple Store online, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple-authorized resellers.