How to update Mac
Updating your Mac is an important operation to ensure that your device works properly and is protected from the latest cyber threats. In this article, we'll show you how to update your Mac easily and quickly.
Why is it important to update your Mac?
Your Mac's operating system updates include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Additionally, updates are important for your device's security: they often include patches for security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers or malware to gain access to your computer.
How do I know if my Mac needs an update?
Your Mac should automatically notify you when there are new updates available. However, you can also manually check for available updates:
- Open the "App Store" app on your Mac;
- Click on the "Updates" tab;
- All available updates for your operating system and installed apps will be displayed.
Remember to regularly perform these checks to ensure that your Mac is always updated with the latest software versions.
Check system compatibility
Before proceeding with updating your Mac, it's important to check if your system is compatible with the new software version. This is because some versions of macOS require specific technical specifications that may not be supported by your hardware.
Steps to check system compatibility:
- Open the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select "About This Mac".
- A window will appear with information about your Mac, such as the model, memory, and operating system version.
- Check the currently installed operating system version on your Mac.
- Visit Apple's official website to check if your macOS version is compatible with the latest available version.
If your Mac is not compatible with the new macOS version, it won't be possible to update it. In this case, you can still use your Mac with the old operating system version or consider purchasing a new computer.
If instead your Mac is compatible with the latest macOS version, keep reading to find out how to perform the update!
Backup important data
Before proceeding with updating your Mac, it's important to make a backup of important data. This will help protect your files in case something goes wrong during the update process.
How to backup important data on Mac
There are several options for backing up your data on Mac:
- Time Machine: This is an application built into macOS that allows you to easily backup your data to an external disk or network. Once set up, Time Machine will automatically back up your files every hour, keeping previous versions for a specified period of time chosen by you.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to regularly back up your data to avoid losing important information. Also, make sure to verify that the backup has been made correctly before proceeding with updating your Mac.
Downloading and performing the operating system update
Once you've verified your Mac's compatibility with the latest version of the operating system, you can proceed with downloading and installing the update. Here's how:
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before starting any major updates, it's always recommended to back up important data on your Mac. This way, if something goes wrong during the update process, your data will be safe.
Step 2: Download The Update
After backing up your data, you can download the latest operating system update from Apple's official website or directly from the "App Store" application on your Mac.
- Downloading from Apple's official website:
To download the update from Apple's official website, follow these steps:
- Go to https://www.apple.com/it/macos/big-sur/
- Click on the "Update Now" button.
- The installer will be automatically downloaded to the "Downloads" folder on your Mac.
To download the update from the "App Store" application, follow these steps:
- Open the "App Store" application from Launchpad.
- Search for the operating system update and click "Download".
- The installer will be automatically downloaded to the "Applications" folder on your Mac.
Step 3: Install The Update
After completing the download of the update, you can proceed with installation. Follow these steps:
- Close all open applications on your Mac.
- Open the update installer that you previously downloaded.
- Follow the instructions displayed on screen to complete installation.
- Restart your Mac after completing the update installation.
Your Mac is now updated to the latest version of the operating system!
Restart your Mac and check for the update installation
After completing the update installation, it's important to restart your Mac to apply all changes. Here's how:
- Close all open applications on your Mac.
- Click on the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Select "Restart" from the drop-down menu.
- Wait for your Mac to completely restart.
After restarting, check if the update was installed correctly by following these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
- Click on "Software Update".
- You will see a message indicating whether there are updates available or if your Mac is up to date.
If you have followed all these steps and still have problems with updating your Mac, check Apple's official support documentation or contact technical support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Updating your Mac is an important step in keeping your system secure and up-to-date. By following these simple steps, you can easily install updates and ensure that your Mac is functioning at its best. Remember to always back up your data before updating and check Apple's official support documentation if you have any problems or questions.
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.
