Use Software Update
Before following these steps, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.
- From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings or System Preferences.
- If you chose System Settings, click General on the left side of the window. Then click Software Update on the right.
- If you chose System Preferences, click Software Update in the window.
- Software Update then checks for new software.
- If Software Update finds new software, click the button to install it. The button might be named Update Now, Upgrade Now, Install Now, or Restart Now, for example. You might then be asked to enter your administrator password.
- If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model. Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac.
If you don't see Software Update
If you don't see an item named Software Update, choose View > Software Update from the menu bar in System Settings or System Preferences. Or use Search in the corner of the window to search for Software Update.
If your older Mac doesn't include Software Update, open the App Store app instead. It's in your Applications folder. Then click the Updates tab in the App Store to check for updates. You can also search for software by name.
If you need help
Learn more
An update is a newer version of the currently installed macOS, such as an update from macOS Monterey 12.5 to macOS Monterey 12.6. An upgrade is a major new version of macOS with new name, such as an upgrade from macOS Monterey to macOS Ventura. If an update or upgrade isn't compatible with your Mac, it won't appear in Software Update.
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