How to Check Software Updates on macOS Mojave

Keeping your Mac up to date ensures you have the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature improvements. This guide walks you through checking for and installing software updates on macOS Mojave (10.14), covering both the System Preferences method and the App Store. You’ll also learn what to do if updates fail or don’t appear.

What You’ll Need

A Mac running macOS Mojave (10.14) – to verify, click the Apple menu and select “About This Mac.”
An internet connection – updates are downloaded from Apple’s servers.
Sufficient free storage space – at least several gigabytes, as updates can be large.
Your Apple ID password if you haven’t set up automatic updates and the system prompts for authentication.
Time – installation can take 30 minutes or more, so plan accordingly.

Step-by-Step

Back up your Mac (recommended). Before installing any system update, make a backup using Time Machine or your preferred backup method. This ensures you can restore your system if something goes wrong.
Open System Preferences. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences…”.
Click “Software Update.” In System Preferences, locate and click the “Software Update” icon (it looks like a gear with an arrow). This opens the update pane.
Check for updates. The pane will automatically check for available updates. If you want to force a manual check, click the “Check Now” button (if visible) or simply wait a few seconds.
Review available updates. If updates are found, they’ll be listed with a brief description. You’ll see the update name, version, and file size. You can click “More Info…” to see details about each update.
Install updates. Click the “Update Now” button to install all available updates. Alternatively, you can click “Upgrade Now” if a macOS upgrade (like Catalina) is offered – but note that upgrading to a newer macOS is different from a regular update and may have additional requirements.
Enter your password if prompted. macOS may ask for your administrator password. Type it and click “Install.”
Restart your Mac. After the download finishes, installation begins. Your Mac may restart automatically. If not, you’ll see a notification; click “Restart” to complete the installation.
Verify the update. After restarting, go back to System Preferences > Software Update. It should show “Your Mac is up to date” or list any remaining updates.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring storage space. macOS Mojave updates can require several gigabytes of free space. If your disk is nearly full, the update may fail or take much longer. Check storage under Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.
Confusing updates with upgrades. An update (e.g., 10.14.6) is a minor revision, while an upgrade (e.g., Catalina) is a major new macOS version. Mojave users might see an upgrade offer, but this guide focuses on updates within Mojave.
Turning off automatic updates and forgetting to check. If you’ve disabled automatic updates, you must manually check periodically. Set a reminder to check at least once a month.
Interrupting the installation. Let the update finish without closing the lid, unplugging power, or forcing a shutdown. Interruptions can corrupt the system.
Not backing up. While rare, updates can cause data loss or system issues. Always have a recent backup.

Tips

Enable automatic updates. In the Software Update pane, click “Advanced…” and check “Check for updates,” “Download new updates when available,” and “Install macOS updates.” This ensures you get updates without manual effort.
Use a wired connection. For large updates, connect to the internet via Ethernet to avoid Wi-Fi dropouts and speed up downloads.
Free up space first. If you’re low on storage, delete unused files or move them to an external drive before updating.
Update apps separately. The App Store handles app updates separately from system updates on Mojave. Open the App Store and click the “Updates” tab to update your apps.
Check for security updates. Even if you don’t need new features, security updates are crucial. Always install them promptly.

Troubleshooting

If the update fails or doesn’t appear, try the following in order:

Restart your Mac. A simple restart can clear temporary glitches that prevent updates from showing.
Check your internet connection. Ensure you’re online by visiting a website. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router or restarting it.
Check the date and time. Incorrect date/time settings can interfere with Apple’s servers. Go to System Preferences > Date & Time and enable “Set date and time automatically.”
Clear the software update cache. Open Terminal (in Utilities folder) and run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

sudo softwareupdate --clear-catalog
sudo softwareupdate --reset-ignored

You’ll need your admin password. Then check for updates again.

Restart the App Store. If updates are stuck in the App Store, quit the App Store (Cmd+Q) and reopen it.
Use the App Store to check. On Mojave, some updates are delivered via the App Store. Open the App Store and click the “Updates” tab. If you see updates there, click “Update” next to each.
Download the update manually. If the Software Update pane fails, you can download the update from Apple’s support website. Visit support.apple.com/downloads and search for the specific update (e.g., “macOS Mojave 10.14.6”). Download and run the installer.
Check for system requirements. Ensure your Mac is compatible with Mojave. If you’re running an older macOS, you may need to upgrade to Mojave first via the App Store.
Safe Mode. Restart your Mac while holding the Shift key to enter Safe Mode. Then try the update again. Safe Mode disables some extensions that might interfere.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM. Restart your Mac and immediately hold Option+Command+P+R for about 20 seconds. This resets some hardware settings. Then try the update again.
Contact Apple Support. If none of these work, you may have a deeper issue. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t I see any updates even though I’m on Mojave?

Your Mac may already be up to date. Mojave’s final version is 10.14.6. If you have that, no more updates will be offered. Also, check that you’re connected to the internet and that your Mac is compatible.

Can I still get updates for Mojave after Apple stops supporting it?

Apple typically provides security updates for the latest three versions of macOS. Once Mojave is no longer supported, you won’t receive new updates. You may still be able to download older updates from Apple’s website, but they won’t be new.

What’s the difference between an update and an upgrade?

An update is a minor revision (e.g., 10.14.5 to 10.14.6) that fixes bugs and security issues. An upgrade is a major new version (e.g., Mojave to Catalina) with new features. Upgrades are usually free but may require more storage and have different system requirements.

How long does a macOS update take?

It depends on the size of the update and your internet speed. A typical update takes 30 minutes to an hour, including download and installation. Large upgrades can take longer.

Will updating erase my files?

No, updates preserve your files and settings. However, it’s always wise to back up before any system change in case something goes wrong.

Do I need to update all apps separately?

Yes, system updates don’t update third-party apps. Use the App Store’s Updates tab for apps downloaded from there, and check each app’s own update mechanism for others.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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