Mac OS X: How to Make a Software Update Inactive or Active
Summary
If you do not need to install a particular software update and do not want to see it each time you use the Software Update feature, then use the steps in this document to make that particular item "inactive."
If you do not want to see updates that you do not use, such as language or printer updates, you may make them inactive. You may reactivate and install any update when desired.
Products Affected
Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.1, Mac OS X 10.0, Mac OS X 10.5
How to make an update inactive
- 1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple Menu.
2. Choose Software Update from the View menu.
3. Click Update Now. The Software Update window appears, containing a list of available updates that you have not installed.
4. Click to select the update you wish to make inactive (Figure 1). You may also choose Select All from the Edit menu.
Figure 1 Selecting an update
5. Choose Make Inactive from the Update menu. A confirmation dialog appears that says "Are you sure you want to remove the update <name of update> from the list? You may not be notified of new versions while it is inactive. To make inactive updates reappear, choose Show Inactive Updates from the Update menu."
6. At the confirmation dialog, click Make Inactive.
The inactive update(s) will no longer appear in the list of available updates. An "Inactive Updates" counter appears in the lower right corner of the Software Update window.
How to view or hide inactive update items
- 1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple Menu.
2. Choose Software Update from the View menu.
3. Choose Show Inactive Updates or Hide Inactive Updates from the Update menu, whichever is desired.
Updates that are inactive appear dimmed in the Software Update list.
How to make an update item active again
Make the inactive update visible using the steps above. Making an update active is the same as making one inactive, except that you choose Make Active from the Update menu.
"Active" versus "installed"
Do not confuse the "active" or "inactive" status of an update with "installed" or "uninstalled" status. Once an update is installed, it does not appear as either an active or inactive update item in the Software Update pane. Automatic Software Update does not uninstall or remove previously installed updates.