How to manage app updates in macOS

Your Mac can update apps automatically, or you can update them when you want

Whether you want to update your apps straight away to incorporate a bug fix, wait to make sure those new updates don’t come with any additional glitches, or let your Mac automatically update your apps so you don’t have to worry about it, your Mac gives you a choice. You can opt for them to update automatically or you can update them manually. Here’s how. (Note that the process is a little different depending on which version of macOS you’re running.)

SET UP AUTOMATIC APP UPDATES (MACOS MOJAVE 10.14 OR LATER)

• Click on the apple icon in the top left corner of the menu bar.
• Open “About This Mac.”

• Select “Software Update…”

• Click on “Advanced…”

• Check or uncheck the box next to “Install app updates from the App Store.”

You can also set up automatic app updates from the App Store:

• Find and click on the App Store in the dock, or go to the apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “App Store…”
• Once the App Store is open, click on “App Store” in the menu bar at the top of the screen and select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
• Check the box next to “Automatic Updates” and enter in your password when prompted.

SET UP AUTOMATIC APP UPDATES (MACOS HIGH SIERRA)

• Click on the apple icon and select “System Preferences.”
• Open “App Store.”
• Select “Automatically check for updates.” You can also indicate whether you want them installed or just downloaded.

UPDATE YOUR APPS MANUALLY

• Open up the App Store either through the apple icon at the top of the screen or through the dock.
• Click “Updates” in the sidebar on the left (if you’re running High Sierra, look for “Updates” on top).

• Click “Update All” or select apps to update individually by clicking “Update” next to the app.