How to Install macOS Updates on a Mac

What you need: A Mac with macOS Ventura 13 or later and an internet connection. Keep a Mac laptop plugged into its charger.

Before you begin: Save your work and close your documents. Copy your important files to a separate drive before installing updates.

1. Click the Apple menu (the Apple logo) in the upper-left corner of the screen, then click System Settings.
2. Click General on the left, then Software Update on the right.
3. Wait while the Mac checks for updates. If it says your Mac is up to date, you are finished.
4. If an Upgrade Now offer appears, leave it alone. Look below that offer for other updates, and click More Info when it appears beside them. If Upgrade Now is the only installation button offered, you are finished with these steps.
5. Click Update Now for the available updates. In the update list, this button may be labeled Install Now. If the button already says Restart Now, click it to finish installing the downloaded update.
6. If a password window appears, enter the Mac login password for the account named in that window, then press Return. If you do not know that password, click Cancel and stop.
7. Click Restart Now if the Mac asks to restart to finish installation.
8. Leave the Mac plugged in with its lid open while installation finishes. The screen may go blank and the Mac may restart more than once. Leave the power button alone while it installs.
9. After the Mac returns, sign in if asked, then repeat steps 1–8 to check for any remaining updates.

Expected result: The selected updates are installed and no longer appear as waiting to be installed.