TLDR: Run a macOS Software Update

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Did you get a notification about an available software update? Head to System Settings (System Preferences in older OSes):

  1. From the Apple menu () in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings
  2. Click the General tab and then Software Update to check for updates

Look for the section for Updates Available (sometimes labeled "Other Updates") - click the Update Now button to prepare the update:

ventura_update.png

Your Mac will let you know when it's ready to reboot and apply the update.

 
If a new major operating system upgrade is available, you may see a macOS upgrade banner in the window (green arrow):
01 - Tahoe Banner copy - Upgrade.png

Remember, macOS upgrades are big changes to your Mac, updates are bug fixes and security patches. If you need to run an upgrade to the latest major version of macOS, review this TLDR instead. We're looking for updates, which will be located below the macOS upgrade banner, often in a section called Also Available. In this screenshot, you'll see buttons to "Update Tonight" or "Update Now" - click "Update Now" to begin the update.

Software Updates will take 15-20 minutes to download and prepare, then 5-10 minutes once you reboot your computer. 

Resources

For Apple's guide on running software updates on your Mac, click here. 

For more information on the difference between updates and upgrades, click here. 

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