

If an error occurs while installing an update or upgrade, learn how to resolve installation issues. If you downloaded any apps from the App Store, use the App Store to get updates for those apps. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then macOS and all of the apps it installs are up to date, including Safari, Messages, Mail, Music, Photos, FaceTime, and Calendar. Software Update shows only upgrades that are compatible with your Mac.

Upgrade Now installs a major new version with a new name, such as macOS Monterey.Update Now installs the latest updates for the currently installed version, such as an update from macOS Big Sur 11.5 to macOS Big Sur 11.6.If your System Preferences doesn't include Software Update, learn how to upgrade to macOS Monterey or upgrade to an older macOS, and use the Updates tab of the App Store app to get app updates. In the System Preferences window, click Software Update.From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Preferences.Then follow these steps to find and install any available software updates or upgrades. Translation will be available in beta supporting English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.Before you get started, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.Performance will vary based on system configuration, application workload, and other factors. Not all features are available on all devices. Prerelease Safari 14 tested with HD 1080p content Chrome v.97 and Firefox v77.0.1 tested with HD 720p content. Systems tested with WPA2 Wi-Fi network connection while running on battery power, with display brightness set to 12 clicks from bottom or 75 percent. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2020 on production 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and prerelease macOS Big Sur.Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection, and other factors. Page load performance tested using snapshot versions of 10 popular websites with prerelease Safari 14 and Chrome v.61 on prerelease macOS Big Sur and simulated network conditions. Tested with prerelease Safari 14, Chrome v.97, and Firefox v77.0.1 on macOS, as well as Chrome v.97, Microsoft Edge v83.0.478.45, and Firefox v77.0.1 on Windows Home, with WPA2 Wi-Fi network connection. Scores represent browsers that completed the test. Tested on production 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and prerelease macOS Big Sur, and Windows 10 Home, version 2004, running in Boot Camp. If your Mac is from 2012 or earlier, there was an installation disc in the original box. These discs are available for OS X Snow Leopard, OS X Lion, and OS X Mountain Lion. Testing conducted by Apple in June 2020 using JetStream 2, MotionMark 1.1, and Speedometer 2.0 performance benchmarks. If you’re unable to use Internet Recovery Mode or create a bootable USB installer, you can still use a Mac OS X installation disc.
