Keeping your Mac updated can be frustrating and is easy to ignore. Here are some explanations of how the updates work. Due to how Apple makes changes to how updates work, you may receive other notifications to update besides what is shown here. Please open a help ticket if you are unsure what to do.
It is highly recommended to not put off the update since once you run out of time the update reminder takes over your screen and becomes very annoying. Choose the time to update for yourself and don't get caught off guard!
Nudges to Upgrade
When there is a new update available to you you will receive a prompt that looks similar to this:
Some key points are that it shows how many days you have left to defer the update, a button on the bottom that lets you choose how long to defer until the next reminder, and a button to continue with the update.
If you choose to defer, you will have several options for the length of time before the next reminder:
- Later will run at the next scheduled time, usually in the next 30 minutes
- One Hour from now
- One Day from now
- Defer Update will open a date/time picker to choose the next reminder:
Update Process
When you click Update Device you will be taken to the Managed Software Center app and have another button to click, INSTALL:
After clicking INSTALL, your computer will likely prompt you to update any apps that have available updates. Click UPDATE and the applications will begin to update and the installer for the new version of macOS will begin to download and install:
You may be asked for your computer password and you should be able to use your computer while the update downloads. Once it finishes downloading you will be locked out of your Mac until the update is finished. This whole process could take over an hour.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with this process please try to reboot your Mac, sign in, and once prompted to update, follow the same steps again. If you still have any issues please open a help ticket.
Other Prompts to Upgrade
Apple will sometimes present you with other prompts to run installs. If it is a major version upgrade (e.g., macOS 11 to macOS 12) you will not be able to install it without an admin password. Please quit the installer (Command-Q) and only use the update path described above.
Doing minor updates does not require an admin password to your Mac and you should be able to perform it on your own (e.g., macOS 11.6.1 to macOS 11.6.3 or macOS 12.0.1 to macOS 12.2). If you have update prompts for those feel free to install them unless you have been directed otherwise. You will likely be asked for your login password to install the updates. It is safe to enter it:
