Upgrading / Updating macOS

Keeping your Apple software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security. This article explains the differences between a macOS update and macOS upgrade

Update/Install Now VS Upgrade Now:

• Update installs the latest updates for the currently installed version, such as an update from macOS Big Sur 11.5 to macOS Big Sur 11.6.
• Upgrade installs a major new version with a new name, such as macOS Monterey. The Software Update pane shows only upgrades that are compatible with your Mac.
  • There may be times when Colby ITS blocks an upgrade from being available because of compatibility issues

Perform macOS Update

1. Quit all Applications
2. Single-click Apple Menu (in the upper left corner of your screen)
3. Single-click System Preferences
4. Single-click Software Update
5. Review the options you have.  If there is a button that reads Upgrade Now but there are updates for your currently installed version, you will have to choose the correct one
   1. Click More Info
      
   2. Review and select the updates from the next dialogue window
      
   3. Click Install Now.  This will download the updates for you to install

Perform a macOS Upgrade

1. Quit all Applications
2. Single-click Apple Menu (in the upper left corner of your screen)
3. Single-click System Preferences
4. Single-click Software Update
5. Click Upgrade Now. If there is no upgrade button available, you are on the latest version compatible with your computer.
   
6. Click Continue
7. Click Agree
8. Click Agree again
9. If there is more than one hard drive shown, single-click Macintosh HD (the hard drive may be labeled something else if you renamed it) then click Continue
10. When / if prompted, type your Colby username and password then click OK

As the upgrade is performed, it is normal for the computer reboot several times.  Note: indicated time remaining is approximate