Apple macOS Update Instructions

Owned by Palak Chauhan
Last updated: Oct 21, 2024
3 min read

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.

image-20241021-150152.png

Minor (iterative) updates

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

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 image-20241021-144539.png (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 image-20241021-144546.png (apple icon)-> System Settings -> General -> Software Update.

  • Once there, click “Upgrade Now” to start your system upgrade.

  • Click “Agree” when prompted

image-20241021-144641.png

  • 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:

If you need assistance, please contact your IST Account Rep

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