Check Your Current macOS Version and Available Updates

Before you update, find out what version of macOS you're running and whether an update is waiting for you. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select "About This Mac." A window will open showing your current macOS version — you'll see something like "macOS Sonoma 14.2" or "macOS Ventura 13.5."

Next, go back to the Apple menu and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Macs). Look for "General" in the left sidebar, then click "Software Update." Your Mac will check Apple's servers and tell you whether an update is available. If one is ready, you'll see the version number and file size. Write down the version number so you know what you're installing.

If your Mac is very old — more than 8 or 9 years — it may not support the newest macOS versions. The Software Update window will tell you if you've reached the limit for your machine. In that case, you're running the latest version your hardware can handle, and no further updates are available.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your current macOS version through Apple menu > About This Mac before starting any update.
  • Updates usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your internet speed and Mac age, so plan for uninterrupted time.
  • Plug your Mac into power before starting, because the update will fail if your battery dies partway through.
  • Back up your files using Time Machine or another method before updating, in case something goes wrong during installation.
  • Your Mac will restart multiple times during the update — this is normal and you should not force shut it down.

Back Up Your Mac Before You Begin

Updating your Mac is usually safe, but problems can happen — a power failure, a network interruption, or a rare software conflict. If something goes wrong and you haven't backed up, you could lose files. The simplest backup method is Time Machine, which comes built into every Mac.

Plug in an external hard drive or USB drive with at least as much free space as your Mac's hard drive uses. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Time Machine, then click "Add Backup Disk." Select your external drive and click "Use Disk." Time Machine will start backing up automatically. The first backup takes an hour or more depending on how much data you have, so start this the day before you plan to update if possible.

If you don't have an external drive, you can also back up to iCloud. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, then turn on "iCloud Drive" and any other categories you want to back up. This is slower than Time Machine but requires no extra hardware. Either way, wait until the backup finishes before you start the update.

Plug In Power and Start the Update

Connect your Mac to a power outlet with the charger. Do not rely on battery power — if your Mac runs out of power during an update, the installation can fail and your system may not start up properly afterward. Leave the charger plugged in for the entire update process.

Go back to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. Click the button that says "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now" (the exact wording depends on your macOS version). Your Mac will ask you to enter your password — this is a security step to make sure you're the one making changes. Type your password and press Enter.

The installer will read the update files. This can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and the update size. You can use your Mac normally while it downloads, though things may run a bit slower. Once the read finishes, your Mac will ask you to restart. You can choose to restart now or schedule it for later that evening — either way, the update will happen when you restart.

What Happens During Installation and Restart

When you restart, your Mac will show an Apple logo and a progress bar. The screen may go black for a minute or two — this is normal. Do not turn off your Mac, unplug it, or force it to shut down. The installation usually takes 20 minutes to 1 hour, though older Macs may take longer.

Your Mac will restart several times during the update. Each time you see the Apple logo and progress bar, the installation is continuing. This is expected behavior. Between restarts, you may see a login screen — if so, log in with your password and your Mac will continue the update automatically.

Once the update finishes, your Mac will boot up normally and show your desktop. You may see a setup screen asking about new features in the updated macOS — you can skip this or read through it. Open System Settings again and go to General > Software Update to confirm the new version number matches what you intended to install.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If your Mac gets stuck on the Apple logo screen for more than 30 minutes, try a force restart. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, then release and press the power button again to turn it back on. The update will resume where it left off. If this happens repeatedly, your Mac may have a hardware problem — contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

If the update fails and your Mac won't start up, you can try again. Restart your Mac and when ready go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. If that doesn't work, restart again and hold Command + R while your Mac starts up. This opens Recovery Mode, where you can try the update again or restore from your Time Machine backup.

If your internet connection drops during the read phase, your Mac will pause and resume automatically once you're back online. You don't need to do anything — just reconnect to Wi-Fi or plug in an ethernet cable. If you're on a slow or unstable connection, consider moving closer to your router or using a wired connection if your Mac has an ethernet port.

After the Update: Check Your Settings

Once your Mac finishes updating and you're back at your desktop, take a few minutes to check that everything is working. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm your internet connection works. Open one of your most-used programs to make sure it still runs properly. Check your files to make sure nothing is missing.

Some updates change your privacy or security settings. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security and review the options. You may want to turn off some features you don't use or adjust permissions for specific programs. This is also a good time to check that your backup is still running if you use Time Machine.

If you notice any program that won't open or behaves strangely after the update, check the App Store or the program's website to see if a newer version is available. Developers often release updates to fix compatibility with new macOS versions. Most programs update automatically, but some require manual updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a macOS update actually take?

The read takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. The installation and restart process takes 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on your Mac's age and how much data you have. Newer Macs with solid-state drives are faster; older Macs with traditional hard drives are slower. Plan for at least 2 hours total to be safe.

Can I use my Mac while it's updating?

You can use your Mac normally while the update downloads. Once you restart to begin installation, your Mac will be unavailable until the update finishes — you'll see the Apple logo and progress bar. Don't try to use it during this time. The whole process is faster if you don't interrupt it.

What if I don't want to update right now?

You can delay the update by closing the Software Update window. Your Mac will remind you again in a few days. However, security updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, so delaying them for more than a few weeks puts your Mac at risk. Plan to update within a week or two of when it becomes available.

Do I lose my files when I update macOS?

No. A macOS update keeps all your files, programs, and settings in place. It only replaces the operating system itself. This is why backing up beforehand is important — if something goes wrong, you have a copy of everything. But in normal circumstances, updates are safe and non-destructive.

Why does my Mac seem slower after updating?

New macOS versions sometimes use more system resources than the old version, especially on older Macs. If your Mac feels noticeably slower, restart it — sometimes a restart clears out temporary files and speeds things up. If it stays slow, check Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor) to see which programs are using the most CPU or memory, and close any you don't need.