How to update macOS using the terminal?
Jul 17, 2025 am 01:31 AMTo update macOS via Terminal, first check available updates with softwareupdate --list, then install all or specific updates using sudo softwareupdate --install --all or sudo softwareupdate --install "update name", and optionally automate updates with scripts and scheduling tools like cron or launchd while exercising caution with automatic installations.
Updating macOS through the Terminal isn’t something most users need to do regularly, but it can be useful in certain situations — like when you're managing multiple Macs remotely or troubleshooting update issues. Here’s how to do it properly.

Check for Available Updates
Before jumping into installing updates, it's a good idea to first check what’s available. The Terminal gives you a clear list of pending updates without needing to go through System Preferences.

Run this command:
softwareupdate --list
This will fetch and display all available updates. You’ll see things like macOS patches, security fixes, and sometimes full OS upgrades. If you don’t see anything listed, your system is already up to date.

Install Specific or All Updates via Command Line
Once you know what’s available, you can choose to install specific updates or everything at once.
To install all available updates:
sudo softwareupdate --install --all
You’ll be prompted to enter your password since this requires admin privileges.
If you only want to install one update (say, "macOS Ventura 13.4 Update"), use:
sudo softwareupdate --install "macOS Ventura 13.4 Update"
Make sure to type the exact name shown during the --list
step.
Keep in mind:
- Some updates require a restart.
- Don’t close the Terminal window mid-installation.
- If the update is large, it may take some time depending on your internet speed.
Schedule or Automate macOS Updates (Optional)
If you manage more than one Mac or just prefer hands-off maintenance, you can automate checking and installing updates using scripts or launchd agents.
For basic automation, create a shell script that runs:
softwareupdate --all --install --force
Then schedule it using cron
or launchd
. This method is best suited for experienced users or IT admins who want to keep systems updated without manual intervention.
A few notes:
- Use caution with automatic installs — not all updates are safe to apply blindly.
- It’s better to test major updates manually before automating them.
- Combine with email alerts or logs so you know what was installed.
That’s basically how to update macOS using the Terminal. It’s straightforward once you know the right commands, but always make sure to double-check what you’re installing, especially if you're handling important systems.
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