How to Update Your Operating System on a Mac

How do i update my mac operating system? Did you know overall 100 million people use Mac computers?

The macOS allows you to collaborate with your apps, allowing you to use gestures to accomplish tasks like switching apps. But you won’t get these features if you have an outdated operating system. So, how do you update your Mac operating system?

Don’t click away yet.

After reading this guide, you’ll update your operating system without problems. Read on and find out out more.

Why Do You Need to Update Operating Systems?

You miss out on security updates and improved functionality if you don’t update mac operating systems. That’s why installing the latest updates will fix vulnerabilities in your Mac’s programming. With this, you’re unlikely to pass on malware to your other Apple devices.

Upgrading means lowering your risk of application failure. The good news is that you no longer have to buy a new computer to have the later versions. Instead, head to your System Preferences and Upgrade.

Which Version Is Your MacOS?

Go to your Apple menu and press the logo in the top left corner of your screen. Click on the About This Mac option. Here, you’ll see the macOS name and version number.

If your macOS’s name has feline themes like Cheetah to Snow Leopard, you must update. Some later versions include:

• Mavericks
• Yosemite
• El Capitan
• Sierra
• High Sierra
• Mojave

The latest macOS version is Catalina.

Backup Your Mac

Apple computers running macOS 10.5 and later have a built-in backup tool. Time Machine saves copies of your files and apps in the background. To use this, plug in a hard drive, SSD, or NAS.

• Go to Select Drive and pick your chosen device.
• Check under Options and select the data you’ll back up.

A good alternative is to connect an external hard drive and copy-paste your important files. You can also store files in iCloud and iCloud Drive with photos, documents, and music. Otherwise, use third-party cloud services like Google Drive and DropBox.

Update Operating System to Catalina

If your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade to macOS Catalina.

Have at least 9GB to 10GB of space to have the full download of Catalina. The installation file for Catalina is 4.9GB on the App store, but 8.9GB using the Software Update.

• Click on Apple logo in menu bar and open System Preferences.
• Click on Software Updates, and your Mac will check for available updates.
• Press on Update Now to download the installer for new versions of macOS.

For High Sierra or older versions, launch the App Store and search for macOS. Click on Get then click on Continue or find the installer at the Applications folder.

Do you need a more in-depth guide for macOS updates? If so, check out Setapp’s guide. Head over to the original site and learn more.

macOS Catalina Features

The macOS Catalina has loads of features that make it a more formidable operating system. With this operating system, you get better security and privacy.

You can also use your iPad apps on your Mac. It also has cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to use your iPad as a second screen.

This operating system allows you to know how much you use your Apple devices. This raises your awareness of whether you’re spending too much time on them. The feature allows you to set the time limits for applications.

The Catalina replaces iTunes with Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. It also upgrades your 32-bit applications to their 64-bit counterparts.

Install macOS Big Sur Beta

Apple revealed its next macOS version: the macOS Big Sur. This operating system gives the Safari browser an overhaul, with new features for Maps and Messages. It also increases the performance of your desktop browser by 50%.

This operating system is available in both developer and public beta. Before you update, make backup of your Mac using the steps mentioned above. That way, you can revert in case you aren’t keen on dealing with performance issues and bugs.

Downloading the Public Beta Operating System

• Go to Apple’s beta software program website and sign in.
• Click Enroll Your Devices at the top right corner of the site and select macOS.
• Scroll down, click on Download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility, and press Allow.
• Go to downloads folder and double-click on the beta utility.dmg and then the .pkg installer.
• The macOS public beta will be available to download at your Software Update.

Downloading the Developer Beta Operating System

• Go to Apple’s developer website then sign in.
• Click on Install Profile and choose Allow to download the developer beta.
• Head to download folder and double click on macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.pkg.
• Go to System Preferences and click on Upgrade Now.

Turn On Automatic Updates

• Go to System Preferences and open the App Store.
• You can also click on Software to select Automatically Keep my Mac up to date.
• Go to the advanced settings by clicking on Advanced.
• Select Check for Updates so your Mac checks for updates.
• Pick Download new updates when available and Install macOS updates to download updates without a prompt.
• You can also select Install updates from App store and Install system data files and security updates.
• After that, click on OK. Now your MacBook will update automatically.

Update Mac Operating System

Note that when you update operating systems, you must have at least 4GB RAM and 12.5GB extra storage space. Remove unnecessary files, scan for malware, and free up your RAM. Be sure to backup and clean your Mac before proceeding with the update.

If you lost files during the installation, use applications like Disk Drill to recover them. If you aren’t fond of the new OS, you can reinstall using macOS Recovery.

Update Your Operating System Today!

These are things you must do to update operating systems. Use these to ensure it goes off without a hitch.

Liked the article? Are you looking for more content to get the most out of your Apple products? If so, read our other guides and learn more Mac-related tips and tricks right here!