Mac OS – Control update behaviour

Mac OS – Control update behaviour

Problem

A Mac user would like to be in control of how and when the Mac OS operating system is updated to preserve software compatibility.


Resolution

Under default settings Mac OS will push major updates and interim security updates. In some circumstances it may be necessary to change these settings. Possible reasons to change the settings are:
  1. Prevent Mac OS major version upgrade to avoid software compatibility with specialist software.
  2. To conserve disk space been taken up by downloaded updates.
  3. To save mobile broadband usage when using a tethered mobile data connection.


Notes
Note
Under default settings Mac OS will push major updates and interim security updates. In some circumstances it may be necessary to change these settings to maintain compatibility with specialist software.

Mac OS Ventura 13.0 and above

  1. Click Apple symbol (top left) then click System Settings.
  2. IN the new window click search box (top left) and enter the word “Software” without quotes and click Software Update link below.
  3. Then click the information symbol to the right of Automatic Updates to reveal the update settings window.
  4. In the new window you can control what automatic updates are downloaded or installed. Refer to the Update Settings information below to set the desired update behaviour.

Mac OS Monterey 12.0 and below

  1. Click the Apple symbol (top left) and then select System Preferences.
  2. In the System Preferences window choose Software Update.
  3. Then click the Advanced button to change the update settings.
  4. Then make the desire changes by disabling options presented.

Update Settings

Below listed are the update settings options and their intended effect.

  • Check for Updates Disable this option prevent automatic check for software updates.
  • Download new updates when available
    Disable the checkbox to prevent automatic download of any new updates found.
  • Install Mac OS updates
    Disable this checkbox to prevent automatic installation of downloaded updates.
  • Install application updates from the App Store
    Disable this option will prevent any App Store apps being updated automatically.
  • Install security responses and system file
    Disable this option to prevent installation of security response updates updates or system files.  Click the link for further information on  Rapid Security Response Updates.

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