Choose when your Mac installs updates by itself

Why it happens

Your Mac can download updates in the background and install macOS updates by itself, usually overnight while it's plugged in. That means a restart, which can close work you left open. Each kind of update has its own switch, so you can keep security fixes automatic and choose the big updates yourself.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click General, then Software Update.

2. Click the info button (ⓘ) next to Automatic updates.

   General›Software Update›Automatic updates ⓘ

3. Turn Install macOS updates off if you want to decide when your Mac updates and restarts. Turn it on if you'd rather it took care of itself.

4. Leave Download new updates when available on if you have the space, so updates are ready when you are. Turn it off on a slow or limited internet connection.

5. Keep Install system data files and security updates on. These small fixes protect your Mac and rarely need a restart.

   General›Software Update›Automatic updates ⓘ›Install system data files and security updates

6. Click Done.

Still not fixed?

1. App Store apps have their own setting. In the App Store, choose Settings and turn Automatic Updates on or off.

   App Store›Settings…

2. With automatic installs off, your Mac still tells you when an update is ready. Save your work before you accept one, or pick a later time from the notification.

3. If the switches are greyed out, a school or company may manage your Mac and control updates. Ask whoever looks after it.

4. If your Mac keeps installing updates with the switches off, contact Apple Support.