Change Software Update preferences on Mac
Use Software Update preferences to update your macOS software and set whether your Mac checks for and downloads new updates automatically.
To open Software Update preferences, choose Apple menu 
.
Open Software Update preferences for me
Software Update preferences
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Update Now | Click Update Now in the top-right corner of the pane to install all the available system software and other updates shown in the Software Update pane. If an Update Now button isn’t shown, your Mac is up to date. |
More info | If updates are available, click “More info” to view information about them.
|
Automatically keep my Mac up to date | Select this checkbox to have your Mac install updates automatically. |
Advanced | Click Advanced to show additional options for installing system software and updates automatically. |
Software Update Advanced preferences
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Check for updates | Have your Mac check for updates automatically. |
Download new updates when available | Have your Mac download updates without asking you. |
Install macOS updates | Have your Mac install macOS updates automatically. |
Install app updates from the App Store | Have your Mac install app updates from the App Store automatically. |
Install system data files and security updates | Have your Mac install system files and security updates automatically. |
Important: To receive the latest updates automatically, it’s recommended that you select “Check for updates,” “Download new updates when available,” and “Install system data files and security updates.”
If a red badge is shown on the System Preferences icon in the Dock after you update macOS, you may need to take one or more actions. For example, if you didn’t fully set up iCloud, the badge appears on the icon in the Dock; when you click the icon, the preferences are displayed so you can complete setup.
For more information about updating or downloading apps from the App Store, see Get apps and Safari extensions in the App Store.