Question
How do I update my macOS system?
Overview
This knowledge base will cover how to update your macOS on the following versions:
- macOS 10.15 Catalina
- macOS 11 Big Sur
- macOS 12 Monterey
- macOS 13 Ventura
Solution
Prior to installing the new OS or update:
- Set aside at least an hour for the installation to run, your computer will be unavailable during this period of time.
- Check if you are an Admin on the computer.
- Plug in your computer to a power source.
- Connect your computer to a wired Internet connection (if possible).
- Install all pending updates available in the Managed Software Center.
- Check to see how much sure hard drive space you have for the install. Generally, 12 to 25GB free should be enough.
- Click the Apple logo in the upper left hand corner of your screen and then click About This Mac. what you do next depends on the OS version you have.
- macOS 12 and under: Click the Storage tab
- macOS 13: click More Info and then scroll down to Storage
DOWNLOADING THE OS UPDATE
macOS 13 Ventura
In macOS 13 Ventura, Systems Settings replaces the original System Preferences application. It may look different, but here is how you check for updates.
1. Click the Apple logo in the upper left hand corner of your screen and select System Settings.
2. Click on General and then click Software Updates. If there is an update available, click Update Now to download it.
3. Wait for the download to complete.
After the update has downloaded, scroll down on this page to the section Installing the OS.
macOS 12 Monterey
Starting with Monterey, OS updates are done through the Systems Preferences, not the Managed Software Center.
1. From the Apple menu in the upper left hand corner, choose About This Mac. From there, click Software Updates.
2. Find the OS Update, click Update Now to download it.
3. Wait for the download to complete.
After the update has downloaded scroll down on this page to the section Installing the OS
macOS 11 Big Sur and macOS 10.15 Catalina
For these operating systems, the updates are done through Managed Software Center. It is available through the Block M in the menu bar.
1. Click the Block M in the menu bar. Once there, click on Managed Software Center.
2. Click on Updates.
3. Find the OS Update, click Update to download it.
4. Wait for the download to complete.
After the update has downloaded scroll down on this page to the section Installing the OS
INSTALLING THE OS UPDATE
1. Follow the instructions and let the update install, a progress bar will be shown and a time frame will be given. The system may restart a few times during the process but just wait. Generally, it takes at least an hour to finish the OS update..
The update should be complete when you see the log in screen. Thank you for keeping your system up to date!
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