How to turn off automatic updates in mac os
Jul 29, 2025 am 12:27 AM
Go to System Settings > General > Software Update > Advanced and uncheck "Download new updates when available," "Install macOS updates," "Install app updates from the App Store," and "Install security responses and system files" to stop automatic installations. 2. Use Terminal to run sudo softwareupdate --ignore "Security Update" to limit automatic security updates, though some may still install. 3. For stricter control, use Configuration Profiles via MDM or restrict Software Update access through Screen Time in managed accounts. 4. Avoid editing the hosts file to block update servers due to risks of instability and update failures. While you cannot fully disable all automatic updates on modern macOS, following these steps allows significant control, with manual checks recommended to maintain security.
Turning off automatic updates on macOS can help you maintain control over when and how your system updates, especially if you're on a metered connection or prefer to update manually. While you can't completely disable all update behaviors, you can significantly reduce automatic installations. Here's how to manage and effectively turn off automatic updates on your Mac:
1. Disable Automatic App and System Updates in System Settings
Starting with macOS Ventura and later (and similar in Sonoma), Apple moved settings to System Settings (previously System Preferences). Follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu (?) > System Settings.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Click Advanced (or the three-dot menu in newer versions).
- Uncheck the following options:
- ? Check for updates (optional, if you want manual checks only)
- ? Download new updates when available
- ? Install macOS updates
- ? Install app updates from the App Store
- ? Install security responses and system files
Note: You usually can’t disable “Check for updates” entirely, but unchecking the others prevents downloads and automatic installations.
2. Stop Automatic Security Updates (Limited Control)
macOS may still install critical security updates automatically, even if you disable other options. To limit this:
- Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities).
- Run this command to disable automatic security updates:
sudo softwareupdate --ignore "Security Update"
- If you want to re-enable them later:
sudo softwareupdate --reset-ignored
?? This doesn’t guarantee all security updates are blocked, as newer macOS versions prioritize security.
3. Use Parental Controls or Configuration Profiles (Advanced)
For stricter control—especially in managed environments—you can use Configuration Profiles with tools like Apple Configurator or MDM (Mobile Device Management) to disable updates system-wide. This is typically used in enterprise or school settings.
Alternatively, create a managed user account via Screen Time:
- Go to System Settings > Screen Time.
- Set up a child account or use an existing one.
- Under Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps, you can restrict access to Software Update (though not fully disable background updates).
4. Block Update Servers via Hosts File (Not Recommended)
Some users edit the hosts file to block Apple’s update servers, like:
127.0.0.1 swcdn.apple.com 127.0.0.1 swdist.apple.com
But this can cause instability, break future updates, and may be overridden by macOS. It's risky and not advised for average users.
Bottom line: You can't fully disable all automatic updates on modern macOS, but by disabling auto-download and auto-install options in Software Update settings, you can keep control. Just remember to manually check for updates periodically to stay secure.
Basically, uncheck those boxes and use Terminal if needed—simple, but Apple makes it a bit harder to fully opt out.
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