How to Automatically Check for Software Updates on Mac OS X

Wouldn't it be great if your Mac automatically knew when to update your software? This is possible, since you can customize your Macintosh to have it check for the latest Apple software updates and even tell your Mac to go ahead and download the latest updates. Read on to learn how to do just that.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Open System Preferences

   Click on the Apple Menu in the upper left-hand corner of the menu bar and select "System Preferences."

2. 
   Software Update

   Click on "Software Update" in the System Preferences panel to open the Software Update Preferences.

3. 
   Software Update Preferences

   Click the "Scheduled Check" button at the top of the Software Update Preferences pane and then select the "Check for Updates" check box. Click on the "Daily," "Weekly" or "Monthly" pop-up box to select how often you would like to check for Apple software updates.

4. 
   Auto Download Preference

   Check the "Download Important Updates Automatically" check-box. Click the red close-window button in the upper left-hand corner of the Software Update Preference pane.

5. 
   Manual Update from the Apple Menu

   Manual checks for Apple software updates can also be performed by "Clicking" on the Software Update menu in your Mac's Apple Menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Clicking the "Check Now" button in Software Update will preform an immediate manual Apple software update check. Manual checks for updates can also be performed by clicking on the "Software Update" menu in your Mac's Apple Menu.