- Before continuing, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.
- From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Preferences.
- Click Software Update in the System Preferences window. Can't find Software Update?
- Software Update now checks for new software.
- If Software Update finds new software, click Update Now or Upgrade Now to install. You may be asked to restart or enter an administrator password.
- If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model.
If your Mac starts up to an Apple logo or displays a progress bar during the installation process
If you can't find Software Update
- If you can't see an item called Software Update in System Preferences, use Search in the corner of the window to search for "Software Update".
- If your version of macOS doesn't include Software Update, open the App Store app, which you can find in the Dock or your Applications folder. Click the Updates tab in the App Store to check for updates.
- You can also use your web browser to find some macOS upgrades.
Learn more
- An update is a newer version of the currently installed macOS, such as an update from macOS Big Sur 11.5 to macOS Big Sur 11.6. An upgrade is a major new version of macOS with a new name, such as an upgrade from macOS Big Sur to macOS Monterey. Software Update will only display upgrades that are compatible with your Mac.
- Some macOS updates will be installed automatically in the background.
- Find out how to update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.