Technology

Updating MacOS and Apple Applications

Last modified 10/2/2024

The following instructions are for the latest version of operating system available. These instructions explain how to update MacOS, Apple applications, and upgrade MacOS. This will not update third-party applications (i.e. applications made by someone other than Apple), such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office.

  • What's the difference between updates and upgrade?

  • An update is a newer version of the currently installed MacOS, such as an updated from MacOS Sonoma 14.5 to MacOS Sonoma 14.6
  • An upgrade is a major new version of MacOS with a new name, such as an upgrade from MacOS Sonoma to MacOS Sequoia. 

  • Updating MacOS

  1. Make sure you have a working Internet connection.
  2. Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen.
  3. Select System Settings... under the Apple menu.
  4. Select General from the left hand bar menu of 
  5. Under general select Software Update
  6. Select the Update Now button (Image 1)
  7. Your software updates for your current MacOS will run.

    Image 1:

  • Updating Apple Applications

  1. Make sure you have a working Internet connection.
  2. Click on the App Store button on your dock
  3. When the App Store window opens, click Updates on the left panel.
  4. You can either select a single app to update or you can click Update All to apply updates to all of the currently installed Apple applications on your Mac.

  • Upgrading MacOS



How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

Explore Tech Topics