How to Update MacBook Pro/Air [macOS 13/12/11]

Updating your MacBook is essential as it helps boost the lifespan of the Mac, security, and compatibility and applies bug fixes. It also assists in eliminating viruses from your MacBook or fixing Mac errors as your PC restarts due to an issue.

Mainly, Apple keeps releasing software updates for PCs between significant upgrades of macOS versions. The system will quickly send notifications on your MacBook Pro/Air whenever a software update is available.

Regardless of the MacBook you're using, it is advisable to upgrade to the most recent version. You will get the best features, security patches, and software fixes. Updating your MacBook to the newest version available helps keep your system protected.

This guide will demonstrate how to update MacBook Pro or Air, issues while updating the MacBook, and more. So, let's get started!

Check for Compatibility with the Latest Update

When a new macOS version is released, the current Mac update will be available in the "Software Update" window under system preferences. You may hit the Upgrade or Upgrade Now button to install and update your macOS, for example, the latest macOS Monterey and Ventura.

Are you still wondering how to update your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro? Before upgrading your Mac, you must verify the hardware and software compatibility, backing up to ensure there's adequate storage for upgrading.

Let's consider these pointers below to understand better the importance of checking for compatibility with the latest update:

Importance of compatible update

Keeping your macOS updated is the most significant thing you can do to sustain your Mac's security. It consists of installing macOS software and security updates and ensuring your Mac is established to get these background updates quickly.

Backup your MacBook Pro

You can back up your MacBook Pro via iCloud. With this, you can preserve files on the Apple server in the cloud. You have quick access to iCloud with the Apple ID. To backup your MacBook Pro, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Hit the Apple icon, and select "System Preferences".

Step 2. Hit the "Apple ID".

Step 3. The iCloud option is located on the left, and select what you're willing to store in iCloud.

Step 4. Opt for iCloud Drive, and select "Options." You may choose all programs, data, and files you're willing to store in the iCloud.

Step 5. In Mac Finder, you may discover iCloud Drive, where you can drag files manually.

Backup your MacBook Air

Follow the steps below to backup your MacBook Air:

Step 1. Select "Finder" > "Preference", and verify the hard drive under Show these items on the desktop.

Step 2. The external disk must be opened, made into a folder, and named.

Step 3. Select the user's file folder by opening the Mac disk, opt for all files you would like to backup, and drag them to the folder.

Download and Install Updates of MacBook Pro and Air

Besides patching security gaps and resolving glitches, a Mac update covers firmware updates and the preinstalled application improvements. If you have a MacBook operating on macOS Mojave 10.14 or later, you may update your MacBook Air or Pro with the help of the steps mentioned here.

Here, we have added the top 3 aspects of downloading and installing MacBook Air and Pro updates. But before updating your MacBook, you must first protect the data security.

⏫Upgrade MacBook Air/Pro to the latest version

Apple releases brand-new macOS versions every year. These upgrades drastically modify the core OS, including Mail and Safari. The newest Mac update will be available in the Software Update panel under System Preferences whenever Apple releases a new version of macOS. In order to upgrade to macOS Monterey from Catalina for your MacBook Pro or Air, you need to download the macOS Monterey installer.

💡Install macOS Monterey on your MacBook Pro/Air

Once the macOS installation is done, it will automatically open a pop-up dialogue on the screen. Prior to installing your macOS, backup is important. Once it's done, hit the Continue button, and go through the onscreen guide to install macOS Monterey on your MacBook Air/Pro.

If you're willing to install Monterey later, shut down the installer's window, and locate it in the Application folder named "Install macOS Monterey.app." All you need to do is double-click it to commence the installation process.

🎚️Update the MacBook Air/Pro automatically

As Apple keeps releasing different macOS updates timely and offering a significant OS upgrade every year, you might need more time to update your Mac manually. To eliminate the hassles of manual updating, you may set automatic macOS updates for your PC.

In case your Mac is operating macOS Mojave or later versions, you need to follow the steps to turn on this automatic macOS update feature:

Step 1. Select "Apple menu" > "System Preferences" > "Software Update".

Step 2. Look for "Automatically keep my Mac updates" in the software update window at the bottom.

In case you utilize macOS High Sierra 10.13 or older versions, you must enable the automatic update function in the App Store. All you need to do is open the App Store and move to the top menu bar of the App Store. After that, you may opt for "App Store" > "Preferences". Lastly, search for Automatic updates on the pop-up window.

📲Update all the applications on Mac

Similarly to the OS, it's vital to update every application on your Mac regularly. Mac software updating ensures you have the newest features without any glitches.

Unluckily, it's not as hassle-free to update all your applications as it's to update macOS. It's because you need to go through an isolated process to update applications from the App Store and those outside the App Store.

Follow the steps below to update your Mac App Store Apps:

Step 1. On your MacBook, open the App Store.

Step 2. Hit the "Updates" in the sidebar.

Step 3. Hit "Update All" in case there's any update available to install them.

You must go to the developer's website to install the most recent versions to upgrade Mac apps you did not purchase from the App Store. It's also possible that these applications will ask you to update as soon as you launch them.

Common Issues During Update

Mac won't update issues are common. After encountering and resolving it numerous times, we have identified several dependable fixes for the "Mac won't update" problem.

1. Your Mac has a different time and date set

This is one of the most common issues during macOS updates. People sometimes change their MacBook's time setting to show a particular time for various reasons, which could make it difficult for Mac upgrades to function. Follow the steps below to fix this common issue during the update:

Step 1. Visit "System Preferences".

Step 2. Select the date & time.

Step 3. Tick the box to "set date and time automatically."

2. Problematic system status at Apple

Apple, one of the biggest IT businesses worldwide, has hardly buggy and extremely solid infrastructures. However, it could be a coincidence that you attempted to update Mac software as a server was down for maintenance. In order to fix this issue during the update, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Visit apple.com/support/systemstatus.

Step 2. You must search for macOS software updates and check if it's green.

How to Recover Lost Data with Software After Updating Mac

A professional retrieval program for Mac can save unlimited data and recover any lost information from the empty Trash Bin, accidental removal, or other possible reasons. With the aid of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, difficult data loss situations can be resolved.

The most highlighted features of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard are the following:

• It can recover images, movies, audio files, documents, emails, and more file types.
• It can recover the Mac-based systems storages such HDD, SSD recovery on Mac, fusion drives, Time Machine backup drives, memory cards, USB drives, cameras, and more.
• Despite not having a Time Machine backup, 79% of Apple users installed it to repair damaged files on Macs.
• Seamless data recovery after a system crash, unmounted drive, virus attack, formatting, repartition, operation error, and more.

Download this professional data recovery wizard for Mac now!

Note: You can create a backup by clicking the "Disk Backup" on the left first. When the disk is damaged or the data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost, you can get the data back from the backup image.

Step 1. Select the location

Select the disk where you lost data after updating to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur. Then, click "Search for lost files".

Step 2. Find lost data after the scan

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results on the left pane. Use the file type and file path to find wanted data on Mac.

Step 3. Recover data after macOS update

Select the target files that were unknowingly lost during or after the update and click the "Recover" button to get them all back.

Summary

Anyhow, routine Mac updates might improve the efficiency of your system. For information on how to upgrade your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, refer to this post. Using this comprehensive tutorial, you can effortlessly upgrade the Mac operating system and all the loaded apps.

But remember that upgrading your Mac could fail and result in losing your information, so you should back it up first. You might employ EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to restore the lost data if the "Mac update ruined everything" problem occurs.

How to Update MacBook Pro/Air FAQs

Consider the below-mentioned FAQs to get information about how to update your MacBook Pro or Air:

1. How do I update my MacBook Pro to IOS 12?

Follow the steps below to update your MacBook Pro to iOS 12:

Step 1. Your device must be connected to your MacBook.

Step 2. Opt for the device in the Finder sidebar, which is located in the Finder on your Mac.

Step 3. Hit the General button in the button bar.

Step 4. Hit the "Check for Update" button.

Step 5. Select Update in order to install an available update.

2. How do I update my old Mac to the latest version?

In case you didn't see an item called "Software Update," opt for View > Software Update from the menu bar in System Preferences or Settings. Moreover, you may employ Search in the window's edge to search for software updates. In case your outdated Mac doesn't have a software update, you may open the App Store app instead.

3. Why can't I update my MacBook Pro?

Check if you're equipped with adequate RAM and storage capacity before upgrading your Mac if you need help. Another option is to begin downloading the latest version while rebooting the system. Try safe mode booting one last time, or use Disc Utility to restore your hard disc.

4. How to make sure all files and data are still present and working properly?

If you have downloaded EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, you can ensure all the data and files are on your MacBook Pro or Air. This tool can recover every file which was deleted while updating your macOS.