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: 
macOS12: 
- 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.
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.