Mac

How to update macOS on your Mac

Photo of Abu Bakar Saadat

By

Author · View profile

Updated 9 October 2026 · Checked October 2026

Device: MacBook Pro · Software: macOS Tahoe 26

Publisher: Saadat Rafiq

2 min read5 steps

Screenshot from the guide: How to update macOS on your Mac

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-update-macos-on-your-mac/ · Checked October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

In this guide
  1. Back up first
  2. Open System Settings and click General
  3. Click Software Update
  4. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now
  5. Leave the Mac to finish
  6. Good to know
  7. Sources
Quick answer

Open System Settings, click General, then Software Update. If an update is shown, click Update Now or Upgrade Now and leave the Mac plugged in until it restarts.

3 of 5 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device
Mac
Shown on
macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)
App
System Settings
Path
System Settings › General › Software Update › Update Now
Real screenshots
3 of 5 steps
Checked
October 2026
Sources
1 official, linked below

Step by step

Take this guide with you

Print it, or pick "Save as PDF" in the print window.

Steps
Also include

  1. Back up first

    Before a large upgrade, make a Time Machine backup or check that your important files are in iCloud. Updates rarely go wrong, but a backup costs little.

  2. Mac screenshot: Open System Settings and click General
    Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size

    Open System Settings and click General

    Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and choose System Settings.

  3. Mac screenshot: Click Software Update
    Tap the picture to see it full size

    Click Software Update

    The Mac checks for updates. This needs an internet connection.

  4. Mac screenshot: Click Update Now or Upgrade Now
    Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size

    Click Update Now or Upgrade Now

    Update Now installs fixes for the version you already have. Upgrade Now moves to a new major version. Enter your Mac password when asked.

  5. Leave the Mac to finish

    Keep a laptop plugged in and do not close the lid. The Mac restarts, sometimes more than once, and shows a progress bar.

About this guide

Updates bring security fixes and new features. A small update takes a few minutes. A new macOS version can take an hour, so start it when you do not need the Mac.

Good to know

Click the i button next to Automatic Updates to choose what installs by itself. Keeping "Install Security Responses and system files" on is a good idea.

If the update will not download, free some storage first: how to check and free up storage on a Mac.

Very old Macs cannot install the newest macOS. Software Update only offers versions your Mac supports.

In short: System Settings, General, Software Update, Update Now. Stay plugged in until it restarts.

Sources

Links checked in October 2026. Menus and features can change after software updates. These steps match the version named at the top.

Did this guide work for you?