How to update and upgrade macOS
Below you will find a step-by-step guide to update and upgrade macOS on your Apple iMac or Macbook. When applying macOS changes, it's important to understand the difference between an update and an upgrade. An update keeps you on the same version of macOS while installing the latest fixes and improvements - for example, moving from macOS Sequoia 15.0.1 to 15.0.2. An upgrade, on the other hand, moves your Mac to a new major version of macOS, such as upgrading from Sequoia to Tahoe.
Update macOS
To update macOS perform the following steps:
- Open System Settings via the Apple menu
- Click the General tab from the left sidebar
- Click and open Software Update
- Select Update
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update
Update current macOS, when prompted to Upgrade
Directions below explain how to update without upgrading. When a new macOS is released, we recommend
- Open System Settings via the Apple menu
- Click the General tab from the sidebar
- Click and open Software Update
- Scroll down to section titled Also Available, and check for what updates are available under Also Available
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install the updates listed for your current macOS.
Upgrade macOS
The upgrade process is very similar to the update process above however instead of clicking Update scroll down and if your Mac is compatible with the latest OS version the option to upgrade will be available. The steps to upgrade will be as follows:
- Open System Settings via the Apple menu
- Click the General tab from the sidebar
- Click and open Software Update
- Scroll down
- If your Mac is eligible to upgrade, the latest OS version will be listed with an option to Upgrade
If you run into any trouble completing updates please open a support request at support.swarthmore.edu