How to update Mac OS is one of the most asked questions on the internet. “macOS 12.0 Monterey” is now the latest and most powerful version of macOS. And everyone, including you, is excited to experience it on your Mac. Right? But remember, installing a clean copy of macOS can completely erase all data on your hard drive. It’ll put a fresh new macOS on your personal computer or laptop.
Well, don’t worry about your data; we got you covered with our guide on how to update your Mac to the new macOS Monterey and get the latest features and bug fixes.
Things you must do before updating Mac OS
According to Apple, some important things should follow whenever any mac user wants to upgrade their OS. So before starting to update mac os, be sure to note or remind your administrator password; which is the password needed to install software updates. This might be the same password you use to log into your mac. You should also make sure that your mac is plugged into power and that it needs to be connected to the internet.
How to update Mac OS on your Macbook
Ready to update mac os on your mac? Follow our guide on how to update mac OS to get the latest features and security updates as soon as they’re available.
If you obtained all the necessities mentioned above, you’re ready to download the upgraded version of macOS available to your device. But before that, you need to…
Backup your data
To download mac os updates, it’s also a good idea to back up your mac using the time machine before updating. When there’s an update available on your system; you’ll see a badge letting you know you can update your mac.
Download the macOS updates available on your device
After setup your data backup; First, open system preferences on your Mac. Click the system preferences icon in our dock at the bottom of the screen.
Then click software update. With automatic updates turned on, your mac will download and install updates automatically overnight as long as it’s plugged into power and connected to the internet.
This could include updates to apps that were downloaded from the mac app store. To update immediately, click the update now or upgrade now button to download any compatible updates for your mac. This download process might take a little while.
Afterwork of Downloading and installing the updated Mac OS
Once mac os is downloaded click continue to install it. You might be asked to agree to the terms of the software license. If you accept Apple’s terms and conditions, click agree and click agree again to confirm.
You’ll then be asked where you want to install the mac os. Don’t worry, the disk for your mac will be selected by default. Click continue and enter your administrator password when prompted. Then click unlock and the installation process will begin.
This also could take a little while. While mac os is updating your mac will automatically restart and the screen might go black or dim or the apple logo and a loading bar might appear. Your mac could also restart several times. If your device restarts more than two times don’t panic because this is meant to happen.
You will then be taken to your mac login screen so you can log back in and use all the latest mac os features. If you still need help upgrading your mac os, contact apple support to learn more about how to update macOS on your Mac.
How to update Mac OS on running macOS Mojave?
If you’ve purchased or updated your Mac since 2018, the probabilities are that you’re in this category. So to update a Mac running macOS Mojave…
- In the top-right corner of your screen, click the Apple icon to open a drop-down menu.
- There are two menus here that you can use to check for updates. Click either System Preferences or About This Mac.
- No matter which one you pick, in the menu that opens, click Software Update.
- Wait a few moments for your Mac to connect to the internet and check for updates. If an update is available, you’ll be shown what it’s called – just tap on Update Now or Upgrade Now to install it.
You can also decide to enable automatic updates from this screen by checking the Automatically keep my Mac up to date box. This will assure that whenever a fresh update is available, you’ll be informed without having to open this screen.
How to update Mac OS on running macOS High Sierra?
High Sierra was launched by Apple in late 2017. If you haven’t updated since then, you should be sure to update as soon as you can to keep your computer secure.
- Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select App Store…
- Click Updates in the left sidebar of the App Store.
From the above screen, you’ll be offered the option to update your Mac. Any Mac computer released in 2012 or later should be able to update to at least macOS Catalina. If your Mac is too old to update the latest macOS, it might be time to buy a new Macbook.
And, for future consideration, don’t worry about getting an update and then having your computer unexpectedly restart – you’ll be informed earlier if a restart is required.
Frequency Asked Questions
Is my Mac too old to update?
A product is considered obsolete if it has been discontinued more than seven years ago. Looking at macOS compatibility (discussed below), we see that most of the time, Macs are eligible to receive the latest macOS version for about seven years. Apple typically supports each macOS version for three years.
What is the latest version of OS for Mac?
macOS 12 Monterey, the current major version, was announced at WWDC 2021 on June 7, 2021, and released on October 25 of that year; The latest version of macOS 12, macOS 12.6, was released on September 12, 2022.
Can I update my Mac to a newer OS?
Yes, you can update your Mac to a new OS. To update your Mac, head over to the System Preferences app or the “About This Mac” menu. If your Mac is still running macOS High Sierra or earlier, you’ll need to go through the App Store to update it. As each update comes with new features and security patches, you should update your Mac whenever you can.
Is Monterey the latest macOS?
In the blink of an eye. Unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference on 7 June 2021, macOS Monterey is the latest update to Apple’s macOS operating system.
Should you upgrade Mac to Monterey?
The main reason you should upgrade now is to get access to new features. If you want new productivity tools, Monterey has Quick Notes, Live Text, and Focus. The new Shortcuts app is a helpful automation tool.
Will Monterey slow down my Mac?
Updating your Mac to the latest macOS Monterey build may slow performance because the new build is in beta and contains some bugs and other issues. Apps and services are still being optimized for the new OS, and therefore, your system may experience performance issues.
Final Thoughts
Assuming that you followed each step carefully mentioned above to update Mac OS. If there is anything that you need to know but didn’t find in this article, feel free to ask by commenting below. We’ll get back to you with the exact information or suggestion you need.
And if this how to update Mac OS guide article helped you update yours, please show your appreciation and share this with others. Or you can click another article to learn how to use your MacBook.
