How to update macOS on your Mac in 2025

To check for software updates on your Mac, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Software Update.” Your Mac will automatically check for any available updates.

The ability to update macOS depends on the model and age of your Mac. Apple usually provides updates for a certain period of time, and older Macs may not be able to run the latest macOS versions. You can check Apple’s website or the system requirements of the specific macOS version to see if your Mac is compatible.

It’s a good idea to back up your important files before updating macOS. This ensures that your data is safe in case anything goes wrong during the update process. You can use Time Machine or another backup method of your choice to create a backup.

The time it takes to update macOS can vary depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection. Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to complete the update.

It’s generally recommended to avoid using your Mac while the macOS update is in progress. The update process may require a restart, and using your Mac during that time can interfere with the installation and potentially cause issues.

If your Mac freezes or encounters an error during the update, you can try restarting your Mac and attempting the update again. If the issue persists, you can check Apple’s support website or contact Apple Support for further assistance.

You can enable automatic updates on your Mac by going to “System Preferences” and clicking on “Software Update.” Then, check the box that says “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” This allows macOS updates to download and install automatically when they become available.

Generally, it is not recommended to cancel a macOS update once it has started. Interrupting the update process may lead to system instability or other issues. It’s best to let the update complete, and if necessary, troubleshoot any problems that may arise afterward.

While it’s generally recommended to keep your Mac up to date for security and performance reasons, you can choose not to update macOS if you prefer. However, it’s important to note that older versions of macOS may not receive security patches and updates, potentially leaving your system more vulnerable to security threats.

In most cases, it is not possible to directly downgrade to a previous version of macOS after updating. It’s important to carefully consider the implications of updating and ensure compatibility with your software and hardware before proceeding.