Updating your software



Getting updates immediately

From the Apple () menu, choose Software Update.
  1. Apple menu in Mac OS X v10.6.6 and later
  2. Software Update checks for available updates. In the Software Update window, select the items you want to install, then click Install. Usually, you should install all available updates.
  3. Enter an administrator account name and password.
  4. After installation is complete, restart the computer if required.
You can repeat these steps to see if more updates are now available. Because some software updates are prerequisites for others, you may need to repeat these steps several times to complete the software update sequence. Note: Mac OS X v10.5 and later can automatically run Software Update checks in the background and let you know when an update is available for your computer.

Updating apps that were purchased from the Mac App Store
Software Update does not show updates available for apps that were purchased from the Mac App Store. To update your purchased apps, open App Store on your Mac, then click the "Updates" view at the top of the App Store window. This will show all available updates for apps currently installed on your Mac. See Mac App Store: Update applications.

Note: OS X Lion updates come from Software Update as described above.


Additional Information

Scheduling an update
The Software Update pane (in System Preferences) lets you schedule automatic checks for updates. By default, it automatically checks for updates weekly. You can change the interval from weekly to daily or monthly, or you can turn off scheduled checks if you want.

Mac OS X v10.5 and later allows you set Software Update to download important updates automatically. You will be notified when the updates are ready to be installed.

Hiding certain updates
Sometimes you may see an update in the Software Update list that you don't need. You can hide it if you want to.

Using standalone installers from Apple Support Downloads
Sometimes a standalone installer may be more useful than the automatic Software Update feature. Examples include when you:
  • Anticipate needing the file again later.
  • Need to install on multiple computers and need a portable file.
  • Have a faster Internet connection available to you at another computer.
  • Have no Internet connection on a computer that needs the update.
You can get standalone copies of many Apple software updates from Apple Support Downloads.

Carefully read the stated system requirements before using a standalone installer. Be sure to install updates in the correct order when applicable, or only on compatible computers when applicable.

Reference releases; update vs. upgrade
Mac OS X v10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and OS X Lion themselves are not free updates, they are reference releases, also called upgrades. The OS X Lion reference release can be purchased in Mac OS X Snow Leopard via the Mac App Store. See also Update, upgrade--what's the difference?