How to update your Mac

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Apple releases minor updates for its Mac range throughout the year and a major feature update once a year. So, how do you update your Mac to take advantage of those improvements?

Smaller updates throughout the year fix security issues. They also often add features that were not quite ready when the major update was released.

Your Mac can automatically update itself, or you can do it manually. Sometimes, you have to do it manually anyway, so it’s good to know how to do so.

If you’re looking for a quick rundown on how to update macOS, we got you covered.

Here’s how to update your macOS

If you want to make sure your Mac has the latest updates and security fixes, knowing how to quickly update your Mac is great to know. Let’s get right to it.

Click on the Apple icon at the top left corner

Select System Preferences

Click on Software Update

If you have an update, you’ll see one of two messages

Update Now

This installs updates to the installed version of macOS, like macOS Big Sur 11 to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1

Upgrade Now

This installs the next major version of macOS, like macOS Monterey

While you’re here, check the box next to Automatically keep my Mac up to date

READ MORE: How to add a printer to Mac

Keeping your Mac up to date also updates any Apple apps. These include Safari, Messages, Mail, Music, Photos, FaceTime, and Calendar.

Keep your Mac and macOS updated to get the latest features and security updates

Now you’ve got your Mac updated to the latest version of macOS. If you switched on automatic updates, you’ll hopefully never have to worry about this again.

The only thing you’ll have to do is reboot after it automatically installs the next update. If not, you now know how to update your Mac through the System Preferences menu.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.