Is It Worth It to Keep Updating My Mac Os Software?

This guide is to help Mac computer owners in determining if it's worth their while to keep updating their Mac Operating Systems. It contains some of the benefits that they stand to accrue along with step by step guides on how to find software updates manually and how to enable automatic software updates.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Nov 23, 2020

Developed and marketed by Apple Inc since 2001, Mac OS, previously referred to as Mac OS X, and later as OS X, is a series of closed-source graphical operating systems that serve as the primary operating software for Apple's Mac computers. Compatible with laptops and desktop computers, the Mac OS is second in ranking among the most widely used operating systems, after Microsoft Windows.

The operating system is the second mainstream series of Macintosh operating software, with the first version of the operating system, the Classic Mac OS, being released in 1999. The final release happened in 1999, which saw the launch of the Mac OS 9.

In 2001, the first desktop version of the operating software, the Mac OS X 10.0, hit the market. This version was updated to 10.1 later that year. Earlier versions of the Mac OS X ran on the PowerPC-based hardware. However, Apple gradually transitioned to versions that run on Intel-based Mac computers. As of 2020, the company began creating versions for Apple Silicon Macs.

With this in mind, it's worth noting that Apple develops software and application updates that help in optimizing your Mac computer's performance and efficiency. Therefore, below are some reasons to reassure you that frequently updating your Mac OS software is a worthy venture.

Is it worth it to keep updating my Mac OS software?

It is worth it to keep updating your Mac OS software because of the reasons detailed below;

  • Updating the software and default Mac computer applications allows you to access new features that enhance your digital experience.
  • Software updates improve your desktop's performance.
  • Frequent updates also help in fixing bugs, which remedies security vulnerabilities that leave your computer susceptible to potential threats.

Given the above benefits, if you're looking to install Mac OS updates, you can access them through Settings application. However, if you're looking for application updates, you can find them in the Apple App Store. That aside, you can follow the steps below to upgrade the software on your Mac computer.

  • Go to the Apple Menu, denoted by the Apple logo.
  • Choose "System Preferences".
  • Click on "Software Updates" to check for updates.
  • If there's an update available, select "Update Now" to install them immediately.
  • You can also click on "More Details" to view more details about each update while selecting the specific updates you'd want to be installed. Under such circumstances, you may be required to provide the administrator password.
  • Once the Software Update informs you that your Mac OS is up to date, it implies that the initial version of the Mac OS along with the default applications are also up to date. These applications include Safari, Messages, Mail, Music and Photos as well as FaceTime, Calendar, and Books.

To initiate automatic Mac OS updates;

  • On the Apple menu, go to "System Preferences".
  • Select "Software Updates".
  • Check on the box that reads "Automatically keep my Mac up to date".

If you click on the "Advanced" button, you'll see the options described below. From there, you'll only check the box that matches your automatic software update preferences.

  • Check for updates: This option allows your Mac computer to scan for software and security updates regularly. It's advisable to check this box.
  • Download new updates when available: If you check this box, your Mac will automatically begin downloading new updates whenever they're available.
  • Install Mac OS updates: This one allows your personal computer to install security and software updates without being prompted. During the process, your computer may warn you that it needs to be restarted so you can schedule the update for another time if the process could inconvenience you.
  • Install updates from the App Store: This feature allows the computer to download application updates automatically.
  • Install data files, and security updates: This setting is independent of the Install Mac OS updates setting. It mostly commands the Software Update to install certain security updates automatically. Some of the system file updates may not require a restart, including X Protect updates.

Alternatively;

If you're still not convinced that making regular Mac OS updates is beneficial to your computer, you can contact the customer care representatives at the Mac OS help desk to learn more on the benefits of making regular updates.

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.

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