How to Check for Software Updates on a Mac

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Mac owners want to stay current with their computers. This is why Macs have a built-in Software Update feature. This is a useful feature that alerts the user to which software updates are available and which ones they need.

Things You'll Need

• Mac computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Turn on your Mac computer. You need to have your computer connected to the Internet to check on the software update feature.

2. 

   From the toolbar menu, click the Apple > Software Update. A new window will show your computer searching for updates. When it has been determined that the feature has found new updates, you will see a window with the statement "New software is available for your computer."

3. 

   Click the "Install" button to start the process. Your computer will then ask for your computer password to verify that the owner has indeed prompted the installation of software updates. At this point, a Software Update window will display how much time remains in the installation process.

4. 

   Click the "OK" button when you receive a message stating that the updates were successfully installed. Occasionally, a specific software update will require that you restart your Mac. When you receive this message, simply close out of your other active applications and then click the "restart" button when prompted.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not necessary to install all updates at once. Some files are quite large and it can take a long amount of time to download and install the update. If you choose to cancel the process, be certain to come back to it. Keeping your software up to date insures optimum computer efficiency.