Preparation
Shutdown and restart your Mac if you have not done so in the past 1-2 days.
Ensure you have an administrator account and password for your Mac. For many people this is the account they use to log into their Mac.
Ensure your machine is compliant under the University of Waterloo’s managed setup. You can find this in the “Company Portal” application.
Minor (iterative) updates
IMPORTANT: Please make sure that you have plugged your device into a stable power source before starting your upgrade.
E.g. macOS 15 to 15.0.1
Set aside ~15-45 minutes for this update. Network speed and current macOS version will impact time needed. Using a wired connection on campus is best, but not required.
Your Mac may restart with only about ~60 seconds notice.
Go to
(apple icon)-> System Settings -> General -> Software Update.Once there, click “Update Now” to start your system upgrade.
Click “Agree” when prompted
Before upgrade begins, you will be asked to enter your administrator password. For many people, it is the same password you use to log in to your Mac.
Major updates: macOS 15 Sequoia
IMPORTANT: Please make sure that you have plugged your device into a stable power source before starting your upgrade.
Set aside 45-60 minutes for this update. Network speed and current macOS will impact time needed. Using a wired connection on campus is best, but not required.
Complete ‘Preparation’ steps noted above.
Go to
(apple icon)-> System Settings -> General -> Software Update.Once there, click “Upgrade Now” to start your system upgrade.
Click “Agree” when prompted
Before upgrade begins, you will be asked to enter your administrator password. For many people, it is the same password you use to log in to your Mac.
Please note that upgrade times may vary depending on your machine and internet connection but in testing IST found the upgrade to take approximately 40 minutes.
During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times.
Once the upgrade has been completed, your machine will reboot (with ~60 seconds notice) and then you will be prompted to sign into your machine as expected.
To learn more about macOS 15 Sequoia, see:
What's new in the updates for macOS Sequoia - Apple Support (CA)
macOS Sequoia takes productivity and intelligence on Mac to new heights - Apple
If you need assistance, please contact your IST Account Rep
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Need help?
Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.
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