Information

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.

Resolution

• Follow the directions below to open the window to control update behaviour. These may vary depending on the installed Mac OS version.
• Review the different options and use recomendations as a guide to what should be disabled or enabled.

Mac OS Ventura 13.0

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 lower

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 updates, user will not be notified of any new 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 updates or system files.

Recommendations

• For most cases disabling Download new updates when available and Install Mac OS updates should be sufficient.
• For more extreme cases especially when it is known that a security update will break an application disable Install security responses and system file option.