Use Software Update
- Before installing new software, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. If you have an external storage device, you can use it to back up your Mac with Time Machine.
- To check for new software, open Software Update:
- From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right.
- Or in earlier versions of macOS, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
- If Software Update finds new software, click the Update or Upgrade button to download and install it. You will be asked to enter your administrator password, which is the password you use to log in to your Mac. During installation, your Mac may display a progress bar or blank screen several times.
If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model. Software Update only shows software that is compatible with your Mac.
If you can't see Software Update
If you can’t see an item named Software Update in System Settings or System Preferences, click the Spotlight icon 
in the corner of your screen, then type Software Update in the search field. If Software Update is found, you can open it from the search results.
If your older Mac doesn’t include Software Update, use the Store app instead. It’s in your Applications folder. Click the Updates tab in the App Store to check for updates, or search for the software by name.
If you need help
Learn more
Software Update delivers both updates and upgrades. An update is a newer version of the currently installed macOS, such as an update from macOS Ventura 13.5 to macOS Ventura 13.6. An upgrade is a major new version of macOS with a new name, such as an upgrade from macOS Ventura to macOS Sonoma. If an update or upgrade isn’t compatible with your Mac, it won’t appear in Software Update.