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Install software updates automatically

Updating your software is one key action to stay secure.

Apple and App developers frequently release new software versions. These updates may contain security fixes and you should install them immediately. Backup and update your Mac frequently. Use the App Store auto update capabilities.

How to fix it

macOS 13 - 14

  1. Go to “System Preferences” > “General”
  2. Choose “Software Update”
  3. Click on “Automatic Update” Info button
  4. Enable “Check for updates”
  5. Enable “Download new updates when available"
  6. Enable “Install macOS updates” (recommended)
  7. Enable “Install application updates from the App Store”
  8. Enable “Install Security Responses and system files” (recommended)
Software Update settings in macOS: Install software updates automatically

macOS 10.15 – 12

  1. Go to “System Preferences” > “Software Update”
  2. Click “Advanced…”
  3. Enable “Check for updates”
  4. Enable “Install system data files and security updates” (these are critical updates too, absolutely recommended)
  5. Enable “Install macOS updates” (recommended)
  6. Enable “Install app updates from the App Store”
Software Update settings in macOS: Install software updates automatically

macOS 10.11 – 10.14

  1. Go to “System Preferences” > “App Store”
  2. “click the lock to make changes”
  3. Enable “Automatically check for updates”
  4. Enable “Install system data and security updates” (these are critical updates too, absolutely recommended)
  5. Enable “macOS updates ” (or “OS X updates”) (recommended)
  6. Enable “app updates”
App Store update settings in macOS: Install software updates automatically