How to perform software update on macOS

Owned by Cory Gottschalk (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Dec 14, 2021
3 min read

This article shows how to update your computer to get the latest security patches. Before you start, make sure to save any work as your computer will restart during the process. The update can take up to an hour, so please arrange your time accordingly. If you have any questions or run into any issues, please call 801-587-2297.

  1. First, open up your system preferences from the Applications folder. Then select the Software Update icon.

     

  2. It will then pull up the software update menu. If it shows an available update for macOS Big Sur or Monterey, DO NOT CLICK UPGRADE NOW. Our UGS managed systems have software that is not compatible with macOS Big Sur or Monterey. Stay on this window for about 1-2 minutes while the system searches for available updates.

     

  3. After 1-2 minutes, you should see some text that says “Another update is available.” Click More info… Again, do NOT click Upgrade Now.

     

  4. You should then see a list of the available software updates for your Mac. Check ALL of the boxes for the available updates, then click Install Now.

     

  5. You will then get a message saying that the updates need to finish downloading before they are installed. Click Download & Restart. The download time is often shorter than what is estimated.

     

  6. Once your computer finishes downloading the updates, you will get a message in the top-right of your screen notifying you that your computer will restart to install updates. Click Restart.

     

  7. Your computer will then restart and begin installing the updates. This can take between 15-60 minutes. You may see a screen like either of the images below as the updates install.

You may or may not see this screen that says “A software update is required to use this startup disk”. If you do, just click Update and the update will continue as normal.

8. Once the updates are finished, you will see your normal lock screen and will be able to log in and use your computer as normal. 

After logging in, if your System Preferences don’t automatically load, click on System Preferences > Software update. 

Wait 1-2 minutes while your computer checks for updates.  

Again, do NOT click Upgrade Now on macOS Big Sur or Monterey.

If you do have a message that says “Another update is available”, (that is not macOS Big Sur or Monterey) repeat steps 3-8 until there are no remaining updates.

If, after a couple of minutes, there is no message saying “Another update is available”, then your computer is up to date. You can resume using your computer as normal.