How to force an update to the latest macOS?
Jul 29, 2025 am 04:26 AMTo force the Mac to update to the latest version of macOS, you can check for updates through the terminal, download the installer from the Apple official website, or reset the software update settings. First, open the terminal and enter the sudo softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer command to check for updates; second, visit the Apple official website to download the corresponding installation package and install it directly; finally, if the update fails, you can delete the /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate.plist and /Library/Updates/ directory contents, and run sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog and restart and try. Be sure to use Time Machine or external storage to back up data before updating, ensure network stability and reserve 15-20GB of space.
Forcing your Mac to update to the latest macOS isn't always straightforward, especially if you're waiting for a new version to show up in System Preferences. But there are reliable ways to make it happen — whether you want the newest features or need to install critical security patches.

Use the Terminal to Check for Updates Immediately
macOS usually checks for updates once a day by default, but you can force an immediate check using Terminal. This method is fast and works even if you don't see an update showing up in System Settings.

- Open Terminal (you can find it in Applications > Utilities).
- Type this command and press Enter:
sudo softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer
This tells macOS to look for the latest full installer available, which often includes major macOS versions.
If an update is found, you'll be prompted to download and install it.

Note: You'll need admin access to run these commands.
Download the Installer Directly from Apple's Website
Sometimes the built-in updater doesn't trigger because it thinks your system is already up to date — even when it's not. In that case, grabbing the latest macOS installer directly from Apple is a solid workaround.
- Go to Apple's official macOS downloads page (or search “download macOS” on Google to find the right one).
- Pick the latest version compatible with your Mac.
- Download the installer and double-click it to start the installation process.
This method bypasses the automatic detection system entirely, so it's great if you're trying to upgrade to a newer macOS version that your machine should support but isn't being offered.
Reset Software Update Settings If It's Stuck
If macOS refuses to check for updates altogether, resetting the software update settings might help. This involves clearing cached data and forcing a fresh connection to Apple's servers.
Here's what to do:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it back on and wait for the desktop to load.
- Delete the
com.apple.SoftwareUpdate.plist
file located in/Library/Preferences/
. - Also delete everything inside
/Library/Updates/
.
After doing that, open Terminal again and run:
sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog
Then restart your Mac and try checking for updates again through System Settings or Terminal.
Don't Forget to Back Up Before Updating
Before jumping into a forced update, make sure you have a recent backup. Something could go wrong during the process, especially if you're installing a beta or early release version.
- Use Time Machine to back up your entire drive.
- Or copy important files manually to an external drive or cloud service.
Also, keep in mind that some forced methods may end up downloading large files over your home network — so make sure you're on a stable Wi-Fi connection and have enough free space on your drive (at least 15–20 GB recommended).
Basically that's it.
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