How to Enable Automatic Updates in macOS 13

Configuring automatic software updates in macOS 13 Ventura ensures your Mac receives the latest features, security patches, and app improvements without requiring manual checks. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on navigating the updated System Settings interface to customize which updates download and install automatically on your computer.

Steps to Configure Automatic Updates

  1. Open System Settings Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

  2. Navigate to Software Update In the sidebar on the left, click General, then select Software Update on the right side of the window.

  3. Access Automatic Update Settings Locate the Automatic Updates row. Click the Info icon (ⓘ) on the far right to open the configuration options.

  4. Select Your Preferred Update Settings Toggle the switches according to your preferences:

    • Check for updates: Automatically checks Apple servers to see if new versions of macOS or apps are available.
    • Download new updates when available: Automatically downloads updates in the background without installing them immediately.
    • Install macOS updates: Automatically restarts your Mac and installs major and minor system updates (typically done overnight while connected to power).
    • Install application updates from the App Store: Keeps third-party apps downloaded from the Mac App Store up to date automatically.
    • Install Security Responses and system files: Installs critical Rapid Security Responses and system configuration files immediately to protect your Mac from active security threats.

  5. Save Changes Click Done. If prompted, enter your administrator password or use Touch ID to confirm the new configuration.