Software Update (Monterey and earlier) preferences and System Settings > General > Software Update (Ventura) preferences reveal whether your version of macOS is up to date and what software you can install if it’s not. By default, Apple fully automates the installation of minor macOS, security, and other updates. (Major macOS updates, such as macOS Monterey to Ventura, require direct action.)
In Monterey and before, you can click on the Advanced button to view settings and make changes; in Ventura, click the information icon (i).
By default, macOS enables all of the following options:
Search for updates: Every time you open Software Update, it checks for new updates; it also checks in the background and places a red badge in System Preferences or System Settings to indicate how many there are.
Download new updates when available: This includes all the updates listed below. The advantage is that they are installed automatically or, if you install them manually, they are immediately available. Disable this if you have limited bandwidth or pay for bandwidth and want to schedule downloads.
Install macOS updates: This includes all “point” upgrades, such as going from 13.0.0 to 13.0.1 and from 13.0.1 to 13.1.0.
Install app updates from the App Store: Any app you have bought or purchased from the App Store is automatically updated. If it is disabled, launch the App Store to use its Updates feature to update all or only selected updated apps.
Install system data files and security updates (Monterey and earlier): Apple has independent security updates and certain data files that are used to block newly discovered malicious applications and for related security purposes. There’s no reason to uncheck this, and you may put your Mac at risk if you do. (The chances of a widespread attack are unlikely, but if one does arise, this option allows Apple to immunize tens of millions of computers almost instantly.)
Install security responses and system files (Ventura): Apple has added Rapid Security Response updates to Ventura (vulnerability fixes that can be installed automatically and don’t require a reboot) and retagged this entry to include more of them. Similarly, with the above entry, it’s almost imperative that you keep it enabled for your security.
In most cases, you can view a list of available updates, deselect or select items from the list, select items to view their contents, and click Install Now to continue with the installation. Updates that require restarting your Mac are indicated with “Restart Required” after their title in the details section, and you’re warned when you click Install Now that you’ll need to allow the updater to restart your Mac to complete.
When preparing to install updates that require a reboot, make sure you don’t have any unsaved files, open Terminal windows, or anything in progress in an application. This can often stop or cause problems with a reboot, especially a problem if you walk away hoping to come back with the update done. I always wait until my Mac restarts before leaving.
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