When updating your Mac system, you need to pay attention to key steps to ensure smooth progress. 1. First check the current system version and available updates, and check it through "About this machine" and "Software Updates"; 2. Ensure that the power is sufficient and back up the data, it is recommended to use Time Machine or third-party tools; 3. Plug in, turn off other applications and reserve at least 10GB of space; 4. Select the appropriate update method, click "Update Now" in "Software Updates" or download the new version through the App Store; 5. After the update, check the operation of the equipment to confirm that the functions are normal and software compatibility. If there are any problems, you can return the backup.

Updating the Mac system is actually quite simple, but many people tend to ignore some key points, resulting in failure of updates or wasting time. As long as the operation is done properly, the entire process can be completed in a few minutes.

Check the current system version and available updates

Before you update, find out what your current system version is and whether there are any updates available. Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner → "About this machine" → In the pop-up window, you can see the current version number of macOS.

Then go to "System Settings" → "General" → "Software Update", and there will be any new system updates. If there is an update, the update content, size, and whether it needs to be restarted will usually be listed.

Tip: Some updates are fixed by small versions, while others are upgraded by large versions (such as upgrading from macOS Ventura to Sonoma), the difference is the function changes and hardware compatibility.

Ensure adequate power and back up data

Updating the system is not done with just a click. If the power is cut off or the power is forced to shut down during the process, the system may be damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to operate with the power supply plugged in. It is best to maintain a power of at least 50% for MacBook.

In addition, important data must be backed up in advance. You can use Time Machine or third-party tools to make a complete backup. In case of an update failure, it is also convenient to restore.

• Plug in the power supply
• Close other applications
• Leave at least 10GB of free space
• Backup system status once

Choose the right update method

Most of the time, just click "Update Now" in the "Software Update" interface. The system will automatically download the installation package and restart to complete the update.

If you want to upgrade to a brand new macOS version (such as skipping from macOS 13 to macOS 14), you can also search for the latest system version through the App Store to download and install it manually. This method is suitable for situations where you want to change the large version but don’t receive the push.

Note: Not all old models support the latest system, you can go to the official website to view the compatibility list.

Check the operation of the equipment after update

After the update is completed, restart and enter the new system. Don’t rush to start working. Let’s first check if there are any exceptions:

• Can Wi-Fi and Bluetooth be used normally?
• Is common software compatible with new systems
• Is there any problem with system lag or obvious heat?

If it doesn't work well, you can try to fall back to the previous version (provided that a backup is done). However, in most cases, system updates are stable and reliable.

Basically that's it. Updating your Mac is not complicated, but being well prepared can save a lot of trouble.

The above is the detailed content of How to update my Mac. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!