Instructions on updating your Mac operating system, including apps like Safari, FaceTime, etc., for MacBook Pros, iMacs, and Mac minis.
How to Update Your macOS
1. Prepare
- Check your current macOS version.
- Open the Apple Menu by clicking on the Apple icon
in the upper left corner of your screen and select About This Mac.
- You will encounter a dialog box that displays general information about your Mac, including its current macOS version.
- If the current macOS version is 13.2.1, your Mac is up to date!
- Backup your computer data.
- Copy the data from your computer to an external drive (e.g., external USB hard drive).
- If you need assistance or more information, contact the Help Desk via email or call (518) 388-6400.
2. Update your macOS
- If your computer is macOS version 10: contact the Help Desk via email or call (518) 388-6400 to discuss the best option for your computer.
- If your computer is macOS 11 or 12: you may need to plan for a lengthy process to update to macOS 13. Schedule the full update for a time when the update process will not disrupt your work.
Because the current update is critical for securing your Mac, you should perform vital updates now:
- From the Apple Menu, select System Preferences
- Click on Software Update
- Click the More info... link
- Select all available updates, especially macOS and Safari updates, and click Install Now
macOS 11: ![macOS 11 update screen](https://union.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=6c0ee431-2b20-41cc-b965-05b746f235da.jpg&beidInt=311)
macOS12: ![macOS 12 update screen](https://union.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=82b6af33-be0b-42fb-a2ce-adb966c797a7.jpg&beidInt=311)
- If your computer is macOS 13: the update will require a much shorter period of time and should not disrupt your work. Schedule the update for a period of time when the computer is not actively used.
3. After you update Follow these steps to keep your macOS up to date:
- Open the Apple Menu by clicking on the Apple icon
in the upper left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Select General on the left, then Software Update on the right panel.
![Check for Update in macOS Ventura](https://union.teamdynamix.com/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=45f8fc31-3eb8-423f-92e5-1ce0bb923b15.jpg&beidInt=311)
Update your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
If you are having difficulty or have unanswered questions, please contact the Help Desk via email or call (518) 388-6400.