Upgrading / Updating macOS

Keeping your Apple software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security.

Update/Install Now VS Upgrade Now:

• Update/Install Now installs the latest updates for the currently installed version, such as an update from macOS Big Sur 11.5 to macOS Big Sur 11.6.
  • To install updates without upgrading, you can click the More Info… link under “Other updates are available”.  (see instructions below)
• Upgrade Now installs a major new version with a new name, such as macOS Monterey. The Software Update pane shows only upgrades that are compatible with your Mac
• For more information about security updates, visit: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222

Perform a macOS Update:

1. Quit all Applications
2. Single-click Apple Menu
3. Single-click System Preferences
4. Single-click Software Update
5. Review the options you have.  If there is a button that reads Upgrade Now but there are updates for your currently installed version, you will have two options.
   • Upgrade to a newer macOS version - (see Perform macOS Upgrade steps in the next section)
   • Update the currently install macOS version.  Single-click More Info. Review and select the desired updates
     
     
     
6. Click Install Now. The computer may reboot during the update process

Perform a macOS Upgrade

1. Quit all Applications
2. Single-click Apple Menu
3. Single-click System Preferences
4. Single-click Software Update
5. Click Upgrade Now. If there is no upgrade button available, you are on the latest version compatible with your computer.
   
6. Step 6
7. Step 7
8. Step 8