Simple Steps to Update a Mac

If you keep finding yourself hitting ‘Remind me tomorrow’ whenever the pop-up nudges you to update your Apple Mac, then this article is for you!

Whether you are working from a laptop or a desktop computer, follow these simple steps to update your Mac device safely…

Make sure you have taken a backup of all your data. Here are some options and instructions: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/mac-backup

Once you have the backup you can choose the following update options: Option 1 (for minor updates and next version upgrades)

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left of your screen
2. Click ‘Software Update’
3. Click ‘Continue’
4. Click ‘Agree’
5. Click ‘Restart’

OR

1. Open the App Store application, found via the Launchpad or in your Dock
2. Go to the ‘Updates’ tab along the side
3. If you can see the update you’re looking for, click ‘install’

Option2 (for Upgrading older Mac – several version jumps)

Option one may be unsuccessful if you are several versions behind, on an old Mac for example. In this case the update may not appear in the App Store.

1. Check which operating system (OS) your Mac is using by going to the Apple logo at the top left of your screen and clicking ‘About This Mac’. It should then display one of the systems on the list below:

• • 14 Mojave (newest)
  • 13 High Sierra
  • 12 Sierra
  • 11 El Capitan
  • 10 Yosemite
  • 9 Mavericks
  • 8 Mountain Lion
  • 7 Lion
  • 6 Snow Leopard
  • 5 Leopard
  • 4 Tiger

2. Go to Apple’s “how to Upgrade” page https://www.apple.com/uk/macos/how-to-upgrade/. We recommend following an Apple official website as there you will also be informed of what is your upgrade limitation.

3. Check the compatibility and requirements for this update on this page.

4. Follow the link via the Apple website to get your desired update. (for example if you are upgrading to Mojave go to https://support.apple.com/en-gb/macos/mojave )

5. Scroll down too ‘Download MacOS [System Name]’.

6. Update your Mac by following the link reading ‘Get MacOS [System Name]’.

Other Notes:

• If at any point your Mac does not allow you to download the update and gives an error message, go to the ‘Updates’ section of the App Store and sign in. Once you are signed in, try downloading the update again.
• This entire process can take up to a whole day, so make sure you have allowed yourself enough time to complete it. The update time will depend on the speed of your Wi-Fi, the speed of the Mac and the number and/or size(s) of the update(s).
• We recommend signing into your Apple ID once you have updated your Mac, although it is not necessary so don’t worry if you forget to do so.
• An admin password will be needed to update your Mac and will most likely be required multiple times, so make sure you have this to hand.
• Extra app updates may be required once your Mac is updated. These can be found in the ‘Updates’ tab of the App Store.

If you are keen to find out more, or have any questions on the above, get in touch with a member of our expert team who will be able to help you. Alternatively, drop us an email at sales@prodriveit.co.uk with any other queries.