Apple macOS Update Instructions

Owned by Palak Chauhan
Last updated: Jan 10, 2025
4 min read

These instructions are for managed macOS devices at the University of Waterloo.

Preparation 

  • Please visit this link to see IST’s information regarding Mac device compliance

  • 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.: 

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IMPORTANT: Please make sure that you have plugged your device into a stable power source before starting your upgrade. 

Important Note for macOS 15 Sequoia Users

Automatic updates to Sequoia (macOS 15) enabled a privacy feature on Apple devices that automatically turns on private Wi-Fi addresses. This may potentially cause an authentication error with Eduroam. If you run into that, then you will need to disable this feature to connect.

While Connected to Eduroam

  • Open System Settings on your device.

  • Select Wi-Fi.

  • Click (or touch) the information icon to the right of the appropriate network. This will either look like a lower case “i” inside a circle or it will say “Details”.

  • Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address.

While Connected to a Different Network

  • Open System Settings on your device.

  • Select Wi-Fi.

  • Select Eduroam.

  • Click (or touch) the information icon to the right of the network. This will either look like a lower case “i” inside a circle or it will say “Details”.

  • Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address.

Installing Updates and Upgrades Without Nudge*

Applies to managed Academic Support macOS devices before January 21, 2025, and some managed macOS devices in Faculties.

  • Open Software Update:

    • Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of your screen.

    • Select System Settings (or System Preferences in older versions)

    • Click on General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right.

  • Check for Updates:

    • Software Update will automatically check for new software. If an update or upgrade is available, you will see an option to Update Now or Upgrade Now.

  • Install the Update / Upgrade:

    • Click the Update Now button to install the latest updates for your current macOS version.

    • Click the Upgrade Now button to install a major new version of macOS

  • Enter Your Password

    • You may be asked to enter your administrator password to proceed.

  • Restart Your Mac

    • Your Mac might restart several times during the installation process. This is normal.

  • Complete the Installation

    • Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Upgrading or Updating MacOS Using Nudge Application

Applies to managed Academic Support macOS devices after January 21, 2025. Some Faculties may also be using Nudge; confirm with your Faculty IT support staff.

*Nudge is an application to notify users that there is an important macOS update or upgrade for University of Waterloo managed macOS devices that they need to install to be in compliance with the University of Waterloo Security Policy. 

To update or upgrade macOS using Nudge, follow these steps: 

  • Nudge Notification: When a macOS update or upgrade is available, Nudge will notify you with a popup message. 

  • Open Nudge: Click on the notification to open the Nudge interface. You will see details about the available update. 

  • Choose an Option: 

    • Update/Upgrade Now:  

      • Click the "Update Device" button to start the update/upgrade process immediately. 

    • Defer:  

      • If you need more time, you can click "Defer" and choose a deferral period.  

  • You may defer the update up to 5 times using the Defer dropdown, until the Days Remaining to Update reaches 0.  

  • The Required Date is based on the release of the update from Apple and the type of update it is.  

    • Minor macOS updates have a deadline of 14 days.  

    • Major macOS upgrades have a deadline of 28 days.  

Monitor and Remind: Nudge will continue to remind users to update their macOS until the update is completed or the deadline is reached. 

From clicking the Nudge banner notification in the top right of your screen, users can then start the update/upgrade process by clicking the “Update Device” or Upgrade Device button, which will launch the Software Update in System Settings.  

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Click on the Update Now or Update Tonight or Upgrade Now or Upgrade Tonight button to start the process. 

Before upgrade begins, you will be asked to enter your administrator password. It's the password you use to log in to your Mac. 

During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact IST Service Desk

To Learn More About macOS 15 Sequoia, see:

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Need help?

Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.