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How to Update Software on Mac

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Jan 27, 2024 • 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:

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:

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.

update-from-app-store

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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".

enable-automatic-software-update

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.

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.

download-latest-macos

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.

updates-for-macos-mojave


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.

recover data lost from programs

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.

recover data

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.

get lost data


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.

Recoverit author

Sue Wayne

staff Editor

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