Jan 02, 2009 If you want to save the updates for some reason, like to install them on multiple systems without re-downloading, it's best to download the updates from Apple's web site. The packages you get from the built-in Software Update are tailored to your specific system (to minimize download size), so they might not work on other systems. Open Software Update in System Preferences to check for recent macOS updates: Keep your Mac up to date. Get the latest macOS updates, including the apps that come with macOS, and important security updates. Visit the Mac App Store. Choose from thousands of Mac apps, and easily buy and download.
Aug 31, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Well, macOS latest version - Mojave is eventually available out there to download and install. Fortunately, updating Mac to its latest version is a truly easy, straightforward, and free process. More importantly, the update process doesn’t take as much time as it takes before. Before you try to update your Mac software, we suggest you read this article.
There are various things you need to know before you update so that everything goes smoothly while and after updating. In this article, we have covered all the things you need to know when it comes to Apple Mac software updates.
Part 1: Reasons for Mac Software Update:
Have you ever wondered why it is always recommended that you should update your Mac software? Well, there are a number of reasons for this. Plus, there are a lot of situations when there is a requirement for updating Mac software. So, why upgrading Mac is so important? Here, we are going to mention the reasons you need to know:
- Security - As you also know that the new update always brings some enhancements and improvements, particularly with respect to security. Also, the new update fixes bugs and other issues you’re experiencing in your current Mac software.
- High-Efficiency Video Coding - With updated software on Mac, you can have a new video standard i.e. HEVC. This new video standard is capable of preserving up to 4k resolution and at the same time, reduces file size up to 40%. Thus, it enables you to save a lot of high-quality videos on the Mac.
- Updated Photos - The latest macOS version brings a lot of advanced and interesting editing tools in the built-in Photos app for Mac. So, this will easily provide your pictures a great look and also, helps in organizing pictures in an efficient manner on Mac.
- Siri on Mac - macOS Sierra and above brings Siri, a virtual assistant to the Mac along with some new features designed mainly for desktop. On Mac, Siri is your intelligent personal virtual assistant that helps you multitask to do things easily.
- Updated Safari - With new and latest macOS version, Safari will help to keep you interest activities hidden and secure from advertisers automatically. Plus, you can prevent videos from playing automatically so to enhance browsing speed and experience.
As you can see that there are a lot of benefits to getting the latest Mac software update. If you are ready to update your Mac software, then continue reading this post.
Part 2: Preparations Before Mac Software Update
Before you update Mac, here is what you actually need to do in order to get your Mac computer ready for the software update.
1: Check Your Mac Compatibility:
Checking the Mac compatibility is one of the most crucial things you need to do before you begin with the software update process. Keep in mind that if you attempt to update your Mac software to incompatible macOS, then you can experience some problems and issues later.
Let’s take an instance - the apps quit unexpectedly, Mac doesn’t complete the starting up procedure, and much more. Thus, you need to check your Mac OS for the latest macOS version compatibility. Following Mac model can be upgraded to the latest version - macOS Mojave:
- MacBook - early 2015 or newer
- MacBook Air - mid-2012 or newer
- MacBook Pro - mid-2012 or newer
- Mac mini - late 2012 or newer
- iMac - late 2012 or newer
- iMac Pro - 2017
- Mac Pro - mid-2010 or newer.
2: Backup Software Files:
It is advisable to backup your data before you start the upgrade process. It is also one of the most important things to do when it comes to the Mac software update.
Wonder how to backup software files on Mac? Well, you can easily create back up of your Mac data using Time Machine hard drive or third-party hard drive. Else, you can transfer or save your important software files to external hard drive before upgrading.
3: Check Mac Storage:
The next step is to check your Mac storage as you need enough space on the Mac in order to update its software without any trouble. Thus, ensure that you are having at least 12.5 GB of free storage and at least 2GB of memory on the Mac.
4: Check the Internet Connection:
Generally, macOS update problems and issues occur due to the weak and unstable internet connection. Thus, if you want to avoid these problems during your upgrade process, make sure that you have a reliable and strong internet connection. Otherwise, you are sure to experience connectivity issues during the process.
These are the few things you need to do before you perform the latest Mac software update. Once ensuring all the above things, you can finally move to the main part i.e. how to update your Mac software.
Part 3: How to Update Mac Software:
Well, there is no doubt that macOS updates enhance the performance, security, and stability of your Mac and it includes updates for iTunes, Safari and other applications that are present in your macOS. So, let’s begin to learn the Mac software update process thoroughly.
1: Mac Software Update from App Store:
If you are using an earlier Mac OS, such as macOS Sierra, or earlier, then all you need to do is to follow the below steps to keep your Mac up to date.
Step 1: To start with, run the App Store app on your Mac.
Step 2: Next, you need to click on the 'Updates' option in the App Store toolbar.
Step 3: Now, click on the “Update” buttons in order to download and install updates if they are available for your Mac system.
If the App Store on your Mac displays no more updates, then your macOS version and all applications are already up to date.
2: Enable the Automatic Software Update:
Do you want that your Mac download updates automatically in the future? If so, then you can easily do that. All you need to do is to enable automatic software update option to stop yourself from downloading updates manually on your Mac.
Follow the below steps on how to turn on automatic software update on Mac:
Step 1: To start with, select “Apple Menu” and then, go to the “System Preferences”.
Step 2: Here, tap “App Store” and then, choose “Download newly available updates in the background”.
Now, your Mac system will notify or alert you when any updates are available to download and install. Thus, there is now no need to check manually if updates are available to install.
3: Install APP Update without APP Store:
Do you want to install updates for those apps you don’t come from the App Store? If so, then here are some ways you can try to install app updates without the app store.
Mac Software Update Download Location Windows 10
- Update within the app if available - A lot of apps you download from discs or websites come with a built-in update option. You can find one in the File or Help menus. Next, follow the instructions to check for and download and install any updates that are available.
- Update via the developer’s website - Some app developers do post patches for their applications on their websites. So, go to the homepage for the app you want to update and then, check either the “Downloads” or “News” section to check if a new version is available to download and install.
- Download and install the new version - Well, there are a lot of apps you install from online sources don’t come with update options. Instead, they have to be installed freshly with their latest version.
Here is how you can do that:
Step 1: Download and install the installer for the latest version of the application from its official website.
Step 2: Drag your already existing application to the Trash from Applications folder to delete it.
Step 3: Finally, you need to run the installer you downloaded and then, drag the app to the Application folder to install its latest version.
4: Upgrade to the Latest Mac OS Version:
Wonder how to update the software on Mac to the latest Mac OS version? Well, it is easy and free to do. Follow the below steps to learn the update process:
Step 1: To begin with, run the App Store app on your Mac.
Step 2: Then, look for the page in the app for the latest version of Mac OS. This will generally appear at the top of the tab called “Featured”. If it is not, then you will see it at the top of the section “Quick Links” located at the right of the Featured page.
Step 3: Now, tap on the “Download” button to start downloading and installing the upgrade.
Step 4: Next, launch the “Install latest Mac OS” application in your Applications directory and follow the instructions to install the upgrade.
5: Get Updates for macOS Mojave:
Now, how to get updates for macOS Mojave? Well, you can easily check for any system updates available on your Mac and all you need to do is to follow the below steps:
Step 1: To start with, go to the “Apple Menu” and then, open the “System Preferences”.
Step 2: Next, click on the “Software update” option, and if any updates are ready to download, click on the “Update Now” button to download and install them.
Part 4: How to Recover Missing Files on Mac?
After Mac update software, you can experience terrible problems such as missing or lost files after the update process. There are a number of causes behind the missing files when updating macOS, for instance, haven’t created a backup with Time Machine, the new software installed interruptedly, insufficient storage space, etc.
What if you still lose your important files even after taking all precautions to avoid missing files situation? Then, you need dedicated data recovery software like Recoverit Mac Data Recovery that can help you get back lost data with ease. So, try this data recovery solution and recover your lost, missing or deleted files with a high recovery rate. It has a click-through and simple recovery process that will take a few moments to complete the entire process.
To learn how to recover missing files on Mac, download Recoverit data recovery on your Mac and then, follow the below steps:
Step 1: Select a location
Install and run the software and next, you need to choose a location on your Mac where you think you lost your files. Next, click on the “Start” button to continue.
Step 2: Scan the location
Now, the software will begin with the scan process to look for the lost or missing files on your selected location.
Step 3: Preview and recover missing files
In a while, the software will show the scanned results and you can preview files. Finally, select the desired ones and then, click on the “Recover” button to get back your files.
Conclusion:
We hope that you now got a clear idea about how to do a software update on Mac. Here, you will find everything you need to know about updating the software on your Mac. This guide has also provided the solution to get missing files after the update in the form of Recoverit data recovery for Mac.
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Applies to: Configuration Manager (current branch)
There are several methods available to you for downloading software updates in Configuration Manager. When you create an automatic deployment rule (ADR) or manually deploy software updates, the software updates are downloaded to the content library on the site server. Then, the software updates are copied to the content library on the distribution points that are associated with the configured deployment package. If you want to download the software updates before you deploy them, you can use the Download Updates Wizard. Doing this will enable you to verify that the software updates are available on distribution points before you deploy the software updates to client computers.
Mac Download For Pc
Note
For information about monitoring content status, see the Content status monitoring.
Use the following procedure to download software updates by using the Download Software Updates Wizard.
Mac Software Update Download Location Key
To download software updates
Mac Os X Software Update 10.7
In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Software Library workspace, and select the Software Updates node.
Choose the software update to download by using one of the following methods:
Select one or more software update groups from the Software Update Groups node. Then click Download in the ribbon.
Select one or more software updates from All Software Updates node. Then click Download in the ribbon.
Note
In the All Software Updates node, Configuration Manager displays only software updates with a Critical and Security classification that have been released in the last 30 days.
Tip
Click Add Criteria to filter the software updates that are displayed in the All Software Updates node. Save search criteria that you often use, and then manage saved searches on the Search tab.
On the Deployment Package page of the Download Software Updates Wizard, configure the following settings:
Select deployment package: Choose this setting to select an existing deployment package for the software updates that are in the deployment.
Note
Software updates that the site has already downloaded to the selected deployment package won't be downloaded again.
Create a new deployment package: Select this setting to create a new deployment package for the software updates in the deployment. Configure the following settings:
Name: Specifies the name of the deployment package. The package must have a unique name that briefly describes the package content. It's limited to 50 characters.
Description: Specify a description that provides information about the deployment package. The optional description is limited to 127 characters.
Package source: Specifies the location of the software update source files. Type a network path for the source location, for example,
serversharenamepath, or click Browse to find the network location. Create the shared folder for the deployment package source files before you proceed to the next page.You can't use the specified location as the source of another software deployment package.
You can change the package source location in the deployment package properties after Configuration Manager creates the deployment package. If you do, first copy the content from the original package source to the new package source location.
The computer account of the SMS Provider and the user that's running the wizard to download the software updates must both have Write permissions to the download location. Restrict access to the download location. This restriction reduces the risk of attackers tampering with the software update source files.
Enable binary differential replication: Enable this setting to minimize network traffic between sites. Binary differential replication (BDR) only updates the content that has changed in the package, instead of updating the entire package contents. For more information, see Binary differential replication.
On the Distribution Points page, specify the distribution points or distribution point groups to host the software update files. For more information about distribution points, see Distribution point configurations. This page is available only when you create a new software update deployment package.
The Distribution Settings page is available only when you create a new software update deployment package. Specify the following settings:
Distribution priority: Use this setting to specify the distribution priority for the deployment package. The distribution priority applies when the deployment package is sent to distribution points at child sites. Deployment packages are sent in priority order: high, medium, or low. Packages with identical priorities are sent in the order in which they were created. If there's no backlog, the package processes immediately regardless of its priority. By default, the site sends packages with Medium priority.
Enable for on-demand distribution: Use this setting to enable on-demand content distribution to distribution points configured for this feature and in the client's current boundary group. When you enable this setting, the management point creates a trigger for the distribution manager to distribute the content to all such distribution points when a client requests the content for the package and the content isn't available. For more information, see On-demand content distribution.
Prestaged distribution point settings: Use this setting to specify how you want to distribute content to prestaged distribution points. Choose one of the following options:
Automatically download content when packages are assigned to distribution points: Use this setting to ignore the prestage settings and distribute content to the distribution point.
Download only content changes to the distribution point: Use this setting to prestage the initial content to the distribution point, and then distribute content changes to the distribution point.
Manually copy the content in this package to the distribution point: Use this setting to always prestage content on the distribution point. This option is the default.
For more information about prestaging content to distribution points, see Use Prestaged content.
On the Download Location page, specify the location that Configuration Manager uses to download the software update source files. Use one of the following options:
Download software updates from the Internet: Select this setting to download the software updates from the location on the internet. This option is the default.
Download software updates from a location on my network: Select this setting to download the software updates from a local directory or shared folder. This setting is useful when the computer that runs the wizard doesn't have internet access. Any computer with internet access can preliminarily download the software updates. Then store them in a location on the local network that's accessible from the computer that runs the wizard.
On the Language Selection page, select the languages for which the site downloads the selected software updates. The site only downloads these updates if they're available in the selected languages. Software updates that aren't language-specific are always downloaded. By default, the wizard selects the languages that you've configured in the software update point properties. At least one language must be selected before proceeding to the next page. When you select only languages that a software update doesn't support, the download fails for the update.
On the Summary page, verify the settings that you selected in the wizard, and then click Next to download the software updates.
On the Completion page, verify that the software updates were successfully downloaded, and then click Close.