Update macOS on Mac
To maintain your computer's security, stability, and compatibility, Apple recommends using the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. macOS updates include the latest features and built-in apps such as Safari, Notes, Messages, and Apple Music. Use Software Update to keep your Mac up to date.
Use Software Update to get updates
Software Update finds, downloads, and installs Apple software updates that are compatible with your Mac model. Before installing new software, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.
Open Software Update:
Use Spotlight
or Siri AI
in the menu bar to search for Software Update, then click to open it from the search results.Or choose System Settings from the Apple menu in the corner of your screen. In the window that opens, click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right.
If your older Mac doesn’t have Software Update, use other ways to download and install macOS.
Software Update automatically checks for any new Apple software for your Mac model.
If software is available for your Mac, install it by clicking the button to update, upgrade, or restart now.
If no software is available for your Mac, Software Update says that your Mac is up to date. To check again, click Check for Updates, press Command-R, or close and reopen Software Update.
Before installation begins, you’re asked to enter your administrator password. It's the password you use to log in to your Mac. Forgot your password?
Allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times.
Learn what to do if an error occurs during installation or your Mac doesn’t start up all the way.
If macOS installs successfully, but you later need to install it again, you can reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery.
If Software Update doesn’t show an update
Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac model. If your Mac doesn’t need or isn't compatible with an update, Software Update doesn't offer it to you and says that your Mac is up to date. These are the most recent major macOS releases and the computers that can use them:
Is your Mac compatible with this update? | What’s new in this update? |
|---|---|
Learn more
A macOS update can be a minor new release of the currently installed macOS, such as from macOS 26 to macOS 26.4, or a major new release of macOS, such as from macOS 26 to macOS 27. Use Software Update settings to control whether your Mac downloads or installs these updates automatically.
Learn more about Apple software updates
