In some cases, Mac software update downloads are automatically downloaded and installed automatically by Macs.
In some other cases, you’ll need to manually install updates from a trusted source.
The instructions below can help you determine which method is right for you.
What happens if I have an old software update for Mac OS X?
If you have a software update that was released before August 21, 2019, it’s not automatically downloaded.
You’ll need a trusted Mac installation source.
If you’ve downloaded an older software update, or you need to reinstall an older version of a Mac software package, you can follow the steps below to download the software update.
You can also use the Software Update Wizard to verify your Mac OS version before downloading it.
When will I receive the Mac software upgrade?
If your Mac software installation source isn’t listed above, the latest version of your Mac will be automatically downloaded from the Mac Software Update Web site.
To see the status of the latest software update release for your Mac, click Software Update on the Mac Menu bar or press Control-Option-Command-P (Mac OS X).
How long will it take for the Mac update to install?
When you download software updates, you’re generally notified of the release date by your trusted Mac install source.
However, this date is only a snapshot of the actual update’s release date.
For example, the version of software you install may update in the future, or it may update before your software update is released.
Your trusted Mac installer may have the latest, most recent software update available for your system.
If it doesn’t, you might have to wait longer for your software upgrade.
If your trusted install source isn.t listed, it may be the case that you don’t receive updates for your operating system until the update is installed.
How can I know which software updates are available?
If the update you download is a Mac update, it’ll be automatically installed when you restart your Mac.
If the Mac OS update isn’t available, you need a Mac install.
For information about installing software updates manually, see “How to Install Software Updates”.
If the software you need is unavailable, the Mac installation will download it automatically from a third-party download site.
How do I update an older Mac software version?
You can manually update your Macs operating system using the Software Upgrade Wizard.
The Software Update wizard will automatically download software upgrades for all versions of your operating systems, but you can also manually update an operating system manually using the Mac System Update utility.
You don’t need to follow these steps if you’re upgrading from a Mac OS 10.6 or earlier version.
How long does it take to get my Mac software to update?
You’ll typically receive the update download notification within 20 to 30 minutes after the Mac’s software update notification.
For details, see How long do you need for software updates to download from the Internet?
How do you know if the update I need is available?
You should see an “Update available” message in your System Information window.
If so, you should see the version number, date, and time of the update, along with a download link.
If there’s no download link, the update won’t be available.
If that doesn’t work, check your local computer’s Network Connections for an update notification if the updates aren’t available.
How much do I pay for Mac software upgrades?
Mac software downloads can cost you up to $1.99 per month or $49.99 for a year.
For more information, see What is a “Mac upgrade”?
You can purchase software upgrades using a recurring monthly or yearly recurring payment.
For a list of monthly recurring payment options, see Monthly recurring payments.
When does software updates start?
When the Software Updates wizard downloads software updates automatically, you don.t need to do anything.
After the update has been downloaded, it starts downloading at the latest date and time.
For Mac software that updates monthly, it downloads to your Mac’s Desktop.
For software that doesn.t update at all, it installs to your hard disk or a disk formatted to the same file system as your Mac computer.
If an update is downloaded automatically, it automatically installs to a location on your Mac where it’s easy for you to find.
If not, it creates a folder in the Mac App Store or Downloads where it will automatically be downloaded.
When you install a software upgrade on your computer, it also starts installing automatically when the software is installed in the Desktop.
The next time you launch your Mac for the first time, you will see the installer’s update icon in the Dock.
This icon is a white rectangle with an icon in a circle on top of it.
The icon shows the date and location where you can find the latest update, and it’s an easy way to see if your computer is up to date.
How does software update support change if a computer is upgraded later than expected?
If a Mac’s operating system is upgraded earlier than expected,
