Mac Update: How to Upgrade macOS with a Step-by-Step Guide

March 11, 2025Andrew Miller
I want to update Mac OS of my MacBook Pro to a new available version like macOS High Sierra or macOS Mojave. I haven't update it for over a year. After several updates, the Mac OS still be a low version, like OS X 10.11 kind. Is that possible to directly download and install the latest Mac OS?

Apple's latest Mac OS update can always bring many amazing features. Same time, it will fix main bugs in the old versions and help your Mac perform better. While before you make the Mac operating system updating, you need to check the Mac hardware and feature requirements.

Mac OS Update

It's quite easy to update Mac OS. But due to various reasons, you may feel hard to directly update it to your preferred version like the latest macOS Mojave, especially when you haven't updated for a long time. Considering that, here in this post, we will show you details about how to update your Mac.

Part 1. Preparations for Your MacOS Update

First thing first, here are some crucial preps you should remember for a smooth macOS upgrade:

Backup Your Data

• Use Time Machine: Back up your system entirely with Apple’s Time Machine, so you have a good point to fall back on in the event something goes wrong.

• Consider a Clone: For added security, use Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! to clone a duplicated copy of your drive, so your information is doubly safe.

Prepare Your Setup Environment

• Disconnect Non-Essential Devices: Turning off other devices like printers or external drives will avoid conflict risks for the upgrade.

• Ensure a Stable Network Connection: A stable network connection is important for seamlessly downloading the installation files.

Part 2. How to Update Mac

Method 1: How to Update Mac from the App Store

Step 1.
Turn on your Mac screen and click the "Apple" icon in the upper left corner. Choose the "App Store..." from the drop-down menu. Here you can find a "1 Update" option.
Update

Note: If there is no update option, you can directly download and install the Mac OS from Mac App Store. Sometimes, you may need to reinstall you Mac OS, click here to check.

Step 2.
In the "Updates" section of the Mac App Store, click "Update" next to macOS Mojave to start updating your Mac. It will take some time to finish the downloading, then your Mac will update and restart.
Update Complete

Read More: Why my Mac is so slow and how to fix a slow Mac

Method 2: How to Update Operating System on Mac from Software Update

Step 1.
Click the "Apple" icon in the upper left corner of your Mac screen. This time, you need to choose "System Preferences" option from the drop-down menu. Then click the "Software Update" option to check if there is an available update.
Step 2.
Click "Update Now" button if there are any updates offered. Then your Mac will start to download and install this new Mac operating system.
System Preferences

Note: Before updating Mac OS, you can click "More info" to check details about each update. Here you can choose your preferred one and directly update your Mac to that OS version. If you are using an EL Capitan, Mac OS X 10.11 or other early versions, you'd better select a suitable update here.

Part 3. How to Turn On/Off Automatic MacOS Update

For different reasons, many Mac users like to turn off the automatic Mac OS update. Here in this part, we will show you how to turn on or turn off the automatic update. You can adjust the settings based on your need.

Step 1.
Open "Mac App Store" on your Mac and click "App Store" in the menu bar.
Step 2.
Choose "Preferences" in the drop-down menu. Here you can choose to turn on or off the "Automatic updates" feature.
Preferences

Part 4. How to Recover If Your Data Lost During MacOS Update

After updating your Mac, you might encounter corrupted or lost data. Although it rarely happens, you can choose a data recovery tool to get your data back once it happens. You can also choose professional tools to back up your data beforehand. We sincerely recommend the powerful Mac Data Recovery, Aiseesoft Data Recovery, to help you get the job done.

Mac Data Recovery

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Step 1.
Launch the app. Then, choose a disk where your data is lost or damaged and click Start Scan.
Choose Photo Type
Step 2.
After scanning, all your damaged or lost files will be listed here. Choose the data you want to bring back and click Recover.
Choose Files

Part 5. FAQs about MacOS Update

Can MacOS Update lead to data damage?

Rarely. MacOS updates almost cannot lead to data damage to your Mac. But you’d better make a backup using Time Machine or install a data recovery app like Aiseesoft Data Recovery to get them back.

Can I install the old version?

Yes, but it will be kind of complex. Unlike a few clicks in Mac settings, you have to find and download the old MacOS package. Then, install it manually.

How to Boot into Recovery Mode?

Well, if you want to erase all the data on it, you can hold the Shift-Option-Command-R during startup to boot into recovery mode.

Conclusion

This guide talked about how to unlock your Apple ID after it is locked due to security or other issues. Generally speaking, you can get the job done once you reset and change the password of your Apple ID and update your information. If you encounter other problems about this topic, please feel free to leave a message below this post and we will reply to it as soon as possible.

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How to Download and Update Mac Operating System