How to Check for and Install Updates on a Mac Computer

How to Check for and Install Updates on a Mac Computer

Checking for and installing updates on your Macintosh (Mac) computer regularly can be a healthy practice in regards to maintaining your computer's software and its overall efficiency. Installing new updates released by Apple's engineers will often repair software errors or bugs that currently exist on your computer, and can also prevent your computer from being affected by viruses and other malicious spyware or programs. Software updates can be checked and installed within your Mac's "Software Update" menu. Continue reading this article to learn exactly how you can check for and install updates on your Mac computer to maintain its efficiency and overall functionality.



1.Access the Software Update menu.

• Click on the "Apple" menu from the desktop of your Mac.
• Select "Software Update" from the options provided. If you are using El Capitan, the update option is now located within the "About this Mac" menu item. The Software Update window will then open onto your screen.

2.Manage your software update preferences. You can choose a schedule for the frequency at which you want software updates to occur, or you can choose to have updates checked and installed automatically when they become available.

Place a checkmark next to the field that reads "Check for updates," then use the drop-down menu to its right to select the frequency at which you want updates checked. You can choose to have updates checked daily, weekly, or on a monthly basis.

• Place a checkmark next to "Download updates automatically" if you want your computer to automatically check and install updates when they become available. When updates automatically occur, you will be notified immediately; however, you may be required to restart your computer when the updates are completed.

3.Check for software updates. You can instruct your computer to check for updates at any time outside of your regular software update schedule.

• Click on the button that reads "Check Now" within the Software Update menu. Your computer will then check for any available software updates, and notify you of changes or updates that may need to be installed.

4.Choose the software updates you want installed. Apple recommends selecting all available updates to ensure optimal computer performance; however, not every update you receive requires installation.

• Place a checkmark next to every update you want installed on your Mac. If you are unsure which updates to select, review the "Read Me," "About," or "Before You Install" documents attached to each update to learn more about that specific update.

5.Install the software updates. When the updates have finished the installation process, you may be required to restart your Mac.

• Click on the "Install" button within the Software Update window after you have selected the necessary updates.
• Enter your account name and password to begin the installation process, or the administrator's account name and password if you are logged into a different user account.