How to Install macOS Updates on a Mac

What you need: A Mac with macOS Ventura 13 or later and an internet connection. Keep a Mac laptop plugged into its charger.

Before you begin: Save your work and close your documents. The Mac may need to restart to finish installing updates.

1. Click the Apple menu (the Apple logo) in the upper-left corner of the screen, then click System Settings.
2. Click General on the left, then Software Update on the right.
3. Wait while the Mac checks for updates. If it says your Mac is up to date, you are finished.
4. If you see Upgrade Now, do not click it, because it installs a new version of macOS, which these steps do not cover. Look below it for other updates and click More Info beside them. If no other updates are listed below Upgrade Now, you are finished. If you did not see Upgrade Now, go on to step 5.
5. Click Update Now. In the More Info list, this button is called Install Now. If the button says Restart Now, the update has already downloaded; click Restart Now and go to step 6.
6. If a password window appears, enter the sign-in password for the account named in that window, then press Return. If you do not know that password, click Cancel and stop.
7. If the Mac asks to restart to finish installing, click Restart Now.
8. Leave the Mac plugged in with its lid open while installation finishes. The screen may go blank and the Mac may restart more than once. Leave the power button alone while it installs.
9. After the Mac returns, sign in if asked, then repeat steps 1–8 to check for any remaining updates.

Expected result: Software Update says your Mac is up to date, or offers only Upgrade Now.