Frequently Asked Questions
I deferred updates the other day but want to install them now instead of waiting for them to automatically install, how can I do that?
- You can review and install OS updates manually by going to System Setting > General > Software Update.
I got the pop up telling me updates are available, but how do I see what updates are going to be installed?
- You can view available updates and details about the updates by going to System Settings > General > Software Update, then clicking the information icon (an 'i' with a circle around it).
There is a countdown on how long I have to install an update or restart my computer, if I put my Mac to sleep, will the countdown continue?
- The countdown will pause while the computer is asleep.
How long do these updates take?
- Update times for macOS will vary depending on the speed of your internet connection, the hardware specs of your Mac and the type of update being installed. Here are some general guidelines:
- Patches: Small updates that pertain to specific versions of macOS which contain security updates and bug fixes (e.g., updating macOS 26.2 to macOS 26.2.1). These typically take between 5 - 10 minutes to download and install and may or may not require you to restart your Mac.
- Updates: Larger updates that include multiple fixes or patches, macOS or app improvements and feature additions (e.g., updating macOS 26.2.1 to macOS 26.3). These typically take between 10 - 20 minutes to download and install and generally require you to restart your Mac.
- Upgrades: Upgrades are very large and upgrade your Mac from one version of macOS to another (e.g., upgrading macOS 15.7.4 to macOS 26.3). These typically take 20 - 40 minutes to download and install and will require you to restart your Mac.
See Also
OS and Software Updates and Support - University Computers