How to leave the macOS beta program, or join it

Why it happens

Your Mac only offers beta versions of macOS when Beta updates is set to a beta. Turning it off stops new betas, but it doesn't remove the one already installed. Once Apple releases the finished version that's newer than your beta, your Mac updates to it like any other Mac.

How to fix it

1. Before you change anything, back up your Mac with Time Machine. It's worth doing before any big update.

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

3. Click the info button next to Beta updates.

   General›Software Update›Beta updates ⓘ

4. Choose Off to leave, or pick a beta to join, then click Done.

5. Leaving? When the next public release appears in Software Update, install it as usual.

Still not fixed?

1. No betas listed when you want to join? Sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program with the same Apple Account first. Developer betas need membership of the Apple Developer Program.

2. Beta update not showing? Check that the Apple Account shown in the Beta updates panel is the one enrolled in the beta program, then look in Software Update again later.

3. Need to go back to a release version right away? That means erasing your Mac and reinstalling macOS, then restoring from a backup made before you installed the beta. Backups made on the beta may not restore to an older version.

4. If an update won't install, or your Mac misbehaves after a beta, contact Apple Support. They can help you reinstall macOS safely.