Use Software Update
He is co-host of the Intego Mac Podcast and PhotoActive, and a regular contributor to The Mac Security Blog, TidBITS, and several other websites and publications. Kirk has written more than twenty books, including Take Control books about iTunes, LaunchBar, and Scrivener. The macOS operating system The macOS, or Mac OS X system, has existed for 40 years in various forms — it’s robust, and because of its regular updates malware developers find it hard to keep up with the changes and write viruses that will successfully infect the system.
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click “More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install. You may be asked to enter your administrator password.
- When Software Update informs you that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, Music, Photos, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar and FaceTime.
- To install future updates automatically, including for apps that you've downloaded from the App Store, select “Automatically keep my Mac up to date”. Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those updates later.
- With the release of MacOS Mojave and Catalina, Apple blocked most injection-based plugins from running due to security and stability concerns. With this change, Microsoft will also block all injection-based plugins in Outlook for Mac for both Microsoft 365 and Outlook 2019.
- MacOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
- The security patch update brings no new features to the iPad and iPhone devices, despite the nearing release date of the next iOS 14 version that aims to bring new emojis and the like.
Update the software on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
Mac Security Update 2020-07
Find out how to update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
Learn more
Mac Security Update 2020-005
- Find out how to get updates for earlier versions of macOS that don't include Software Update preferences.
- You can also use the App Store to update apps or re-download apps that came from the App Store.
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using and how to upgrade to the latest macOS.
- When your Mac is connected to a Personal Hotspot, large updates aren't downloaded automatically.