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Updating Your OS

How to check for, install, and troubleshoot operating system updates

Keeping your operating system up to date is one of the easiest ways to stay secure and avoid bugs. Updates patch security vulnerabilities, fix crashes, and occasionally add new features. Here's how to check for and install updates on every major platform.

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner
  2. Click System Settings
  3. Click General in the sidebar
  4. Click Software Update
  5. Your Mac checks for available updates automatically. If an update is available, click Update Now (or Upgrade Now for a major release)
  6. Enter your password if prompted
  7. Your Mac may need to restart to finish the installation

Set up automatic updates:

  1. On the Software Update screen, click the info button (i) next to Automatic Updates
  2. Toggle on any combination of:
    • Download new updates when available
    • Install macOS updates
    • Install application updates from the App Store
    • Install Security Responses and system files
  3. Click Done

Security Responses are small, urgent patches that Apple can install without a full restart. Leave this one on.

If an update is stuck:

  • Make sure you have enough free storage (at least 15-20 GB for major updates). Check in System Settings > General > Storage
  • Restart your Mac and try again
  • If it stalls during install, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown, then power back on. The update should resume
  • Try updating from the terminal: sudo softwareupdate -ia

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to update my operating system?▾

Updates fix security vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. They also fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Skipping updates leaves your device exposed to known threats that have already been patched.

Will updating delete my files?▾

No. Regular updates don't touch your personal files, apps, or settings. Major OS upgrades (like going from Windows 10 to 11, or a new macOS version) preserve your data too, but it's always smart to have a backup before a big upgrade.

How often should I update?▾

Install security updates as soon as they're available. For feature updates, within a week or two is fine. Don't let updates pile up for months.

What if my computer is very slow after an update?▾

This is normal for the first hour or so after a major update. Your system may be re-indexing files or finishing background tasks. If it persists after a restart, check for another pending update that may have been missed.

Can I undo an update?▾

On Windows, you can roll back recent updates in Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. On macOS, you'd need a Time Machine backup to revert. On Linux, package managers can downgrade individual packages, but rolling back a full system update is more complex. In general, it's better to report a bug and wait for a fix than to undo an update.