How to upgrade to a new version of macOS step by step

Keep your Mac up to date with the latest version of macOS It's not just about having new features and a prettier interface: it's primarily about security, stability, and performance. Each update fixes bugs, patches vulnerabilities, and polishes details that, in the long run, make all the difference in everyday use.

The good news is that updating macOS these days is a very automated and fairly simple processYou can let the system handle almost everything, or take control and manually review each update. This comprehensive guide will show you, step by step, how to update to a new version of macOS, how to prepare beforehand, what to do if something gets stuck along the way, and how to check if your Mac is compatible with the latest system.

Why macOS is worth updating regularly

Deciding to update macOS regularly is almost mandatory if you want a secure and smooth-running Mac.Each new version of the system incorporates security patches, internal changes that improve energy efficiency, and fixes for software bugs that can cause crashes, unexpected shutdowns, or strange behavior.

In addition to security, the updates bring new featuresRefreshed lock screens, more customization options, improvements to Safari, changes to Photos, Mail, and Messages... If you haven't updated in two or three years, you're probably missing out on many of these new features even if your Mac is fully compatible.

Ignoring updates for too long can leave your Mac vulnerable to vulnerabilities that are already publicly known and exploited by attackers. It can also cause modern applications to become incompatible with your version of macOS, forcing you to stick with older versions of programs essential for work or study.

Another point to consider is that Apple releases major macOS updates once a year.And in between, it releases minor versions (point updates) that fix detected bugs and improve performance. Although they don't radically change the system, these small versions are usually very important for stability.

Maintaining the system and the apps Doing it daily also helps everything to fit together better.Features such as Continuity, Handoff, AirDrop, and improvements between iPhone, iPad Macs typically require relatively recent versions to function at 100%.

How to tell if your Mac can install the latest version of macOS

Before you rush to upgrade to a new version of macOS, the first thing to do is check if your Mac is supported.Apple only offers the latest versions of the operating system for relatively recent devices; older models are left with... There, anchored in a maximum version.

To check compatibility, you have two options.On the one hand, see what exact model of Mac you have, and on the other hand, check on the Apple website if that model appears among the computers compatible with the version of macOS you want to install.

To see what Mac you have, click the Apple menu  > “About This Mac”In that window, you'll see the model name (for example, "MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, two Thunderbolt 3 ports)"), the processor, and the current macOS version. With that model information, you can search for the official compatibility list on Apple's support website.

If your Mac is not listed among those compatible with the latest version of macOSYou'll have to stick with the latest version that is supported by your device. In many cases, this happens with devices manufactured before 2017, which are gradually losing access to newer systems to avoid performance or other issues. drivers.

A typical example is that of users on macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 With devices from 2017 or earlier, clicking on "Software Update" redirects you to the App Store, but you won't see anything new. If your model is compatible with later versions (for example, macOS Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia), you should be able to find them in the updates section or on the dedicated macOS page in the App Store or on Apple's website. If they don't appear, your model is likely no longer supported by those recent versions.

Essential preparations before updating macOS

Updating macOS is usually a simple process, but it's a good idea to do a few basic preparations. to minimize risks and avoid unpleasant surprises in the middle of the installation.

First and foremost, have a recent backupThe most convenient way is to use Time Machine, the backup system built into macOS, which makes automatic backups and allows you to recover individual files or restore the entire system if something goes wrong.

To create a backup with Time Machine, connect a compatible external driveGo to System Settings > General > Time Machine, click on “Select Backup Disk,” and choose the drive. From there, Time Machine will automatically begin backing up your Mac, without you having to worry about it.

It's also advisable to make sure you have enough free disk space, for example clearing cache and temporary filesRecent versions of macOS (such as Sonoma or Sequoia) can easily require 20 GB or more of free space to download and install the update. A good goal is to maintain at least 15% of your system free. storage total free for the system to breathe.

Another basic detail is to connect the Mac to the power supply during installationEspecially if it's a laptop. Installing a large version of macOS with a low battery or in the middle of a thunderstorm is not a good idea, because if the computer shuts down mid-process, you could corrupt the installation.

Before updating, it also helps to run Disk Utility. (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility) and run "First Aid" on the main disk. This checks the volume structure and corrects minor errors that could cause problems during the installation process.

Finally, close any applications you don't need and save all open documents.Closing programs frees up resources and prevents conflicts while the installer is working, and saving files prevents you from losing changes if the system needs to restart.

How to update macOS from System Settings

In modern versions, such as macOS Sequoia and its immediate predecessors, the command center for updating is the “Software Update” panel.which you will find in the System Settings.

To open it, you have several options.You can use Spotlight (the magnifying glass icon in the menu bar), type "Software Update" and press Enter on the result; or manually go to Apple menu  > System Settings > General > Software Update.

As soon as this panel opens, the Mac automatically checks for any new versions available.If an update is available for your model, you'll see version information and one or more buttons such as "Update", "Upgrade", or "Reboot now", depending on whether the download is already complete or if it's a major version.

If there is nothing pending, the system will display a message such as "Your Mac is up to date"If you want to force a check again, you can press the "Check for updates" button, use the shortcut Command + R, or close and reopen the Software Update panel.

When you start the installation, the system will ask you for the administrator password.That is, the password you use to log in to your user account. Without that password, you will not be able to authorize the update.

During the installation, do not put your Mac to sleep or close the lid.It's normal for the computer to restart several times, display a progress bar, and sometimes a blank or black screen for a few minutes. This is all part of the normal process.

Update macOS from previous versions: System Preferences and App Store

If you're using a slightly older macOS, such as Monterey or earlier versions with the classic panel, the path changes a bit.Instead of System Settings, you will have “System Preferences”.

On those systems, to update go to Apple menu  > System Preferences > Software UpdateFrom that panel, the mechanism is very similar: the system checks for new versions, shows you the available ones, and offers buttons to download and install.

In even older versions, the system may take you directly to the App Store By clicking “Software Update” in “About This Mac”. In that case, you’ll need to go to the “Updates” tab in the App Store or search directly for the macOS version you want to install.

When the update is downloaded from the App Store, the installer is usually placed in the Applications folder. with a name like “Install macOS Sonoma” or “Install macOS Sequoia”. When you open it, it will guide you through the installation wizard just like any other program.

It is important not to delete the installer until you have finished updating and verified that everything is working correctly.If something goes wrong and you need to repeat the process, you save yourself from having to download several gigabytes of data again.

Activate and manage automatic updates on your Mac

If you don't want to manually check for each new version, you can enable automatic updates.In this way, macOS will take care of searching for, downloading, and installing many of them in the background.

To enable automatic updates, go to System Settings > General > Software Update And make sure the "Automatic updates" option is checked. There you can choose whether you want it to only download updates, or also install security updates, app updates from the App Store, etc.

When enabled, your Mac typically checks for new versions periodically and installs them when you're not using your computer.usually overnight. However, major macOS updates can take a few weeks to arrive via this automatic system, because Apple typically rolls them out gradually to ensure there are no serious bugs.

If you prefer to have more control, you can leave only security and app updates enabled.and reserve major system updates to do manually at a time that suits you best.

Whichever method you choose, don't forget that the key is still to have a recent backup.Automations are very convenient, but they don't replace a good backup of your important data.