How to Enable or Disable macOS Auto-Update?

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Apple's macOS is known for its robust performance, user-friendly interface, and strong security measures. One of its helpful features is automatic updates, which ensure that your system and applications stay current with the latest features and security patches. However, there are scenarios where you might want to disable macOS auto-updates - for example, to prevent unexpected restarts or conserve data usage on limited networks.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to enable or disable auto-updates on macOS, including differences between macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura and earlier versions. Whether you want more control over updates or ensure you never miss a critical patch, you'll find all the options laid out clearly below.

What is macOS Auto-Update?

macOS auto-update is a background service that automatically downloads and installs updates for the operating system, security patches, and apps installed through the App Store. This feature is designed to help users stay protected from vulnerabilities and enjoy new features as soon as they're released.

Types of Auto-Updates on macOS

• System Updates – macOS version upgrades and feature updates.
• Security Updates – Critical patches and security improvements.
• App Store Updates – Updates to apps downloaded via the Mac App Store.

Pros and Cons of Auto-Updates

If these trade-offs concern you, you may want to customize or disable automatic updates.

How to Enable Auto-Updates on macOS?

Depending on your macOS version, the process differs slightly. Here's how to do it on Ventura and earlier versions.

1. Enable Auto-Updates on macOS Ventura and Later

Apple redesigned the System Settings interface in macOS Ventura.

Steps:

1. Click the Apple menu  and choose System Settings.

2. Scroll down and click General.
3. Select Software Update.

4. Click the small "i" or Details… button next to Automatic Updates.

5. Toggle on the following options:
   • Download updates when available
   • Install macOS updates
   • Install application updates from the App Store
   • Install Security Responses and system files

6. Close the window to save changes.

2. Enable Auto-Updates on macOS Monterey and Earlier

Steps:

1. Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
2. Click Software Update.

3. Check the box labeled Automatically keep my Mac up to date.

4. Click Advanced for more granular controls:
   • Enable options such as:
     • Check for updates
     • Download new updates when available
     • Install macOS updates
     • Install app updates from the App Store
     • Install system data files and security updates

Click Done to confirm your selections.

How to Disable Auto-Updates on macOS?

If you prefer to install updates manually or delay system upgrades, disabling automatic updates is easy.

1. Disable Auto-Updates on macOS Ventura and Later

Steps:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Click Details next to Automatic Updates.

3. Toggle off all of the following:
   • Download new updates when available
   • Install macOS updates
   • Install applications updates from the App Store
   • Install Security Responses and system files

You will now need to manually check for and install updates.

2. Disable Auto-Updates on macOS Monterey and Earlier

Steps:

1. Open System Preferences > Software Update.
2. Uncheck Automatically keep my Mac up to date.

3. Optionally, click Advanced and disable all individual checkboxes if you prefer more granular control.

Use Terminal to Control Auto-Updates (for Old macOS Versions)

While macOS offers a graphical interface to manage software updates, advanced users or system administrators may prefer using Terminal commands for better control, scripting, or remote configuration. Terminal lets you enable or disable different aspects of automatic updates using system preferences and softwareupdate commands.

Important: Terminal commands should be used cautiously. They can affect critical system behavior. Always back up your data before making changes.

1. Check if Auto-Updates Are Enabled

Before making any changes, you can check the current status of auto-updates:

defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticCheckEnabled

This will return either 1 (enabled) or 0 (disabled).

2. Disable All Auto-Updates

To completely turn off automatic checking and installation of updates:

sudo softwareupdate --schedule off

This command disables the background update scheduler, meaning your Mac will no longer automatically check for or install updates.

Use Case: Ideal for users managing macOS in development environments where stability is prioritized over new features.

3. Enable All Auto-Updates

To restore automatic update scheduling:

sudo softwareupdate --schedule on

This turns on regular update checks and restores default macOS update behavior.

4. Customize Specific Auto-Update Settings

You can individually control different types of updates:

🔹 Enable/Disable Checking for Updates

defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticCheckEnabled -bool TRUE

or

defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticCheckEnabled -bool FALSE

🔹 Enable/Disable Downloading Updates Automatically

defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticDownload -bool TRUE

or

defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticDownload -bool FALSE

🔹 Enable/Disable macOS Auto-Installation

defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticallyInstallMacOSUpdates -bool TRUE

or

defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticallyInstallMacOSUpdates -bool FALSE

🔹 Enable/Disable App Store Auto-Updates

defaults write com.apple.commerce AutoUpdate -bool TRUE

or

defaults write com.apple.commerce AutoUpdate -bool FALSE

🔹 Enable/Disable Security and System Files Updates

defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CriticalUpdateInstall -bool TRUE

or

defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CriticalUpdateInstall -bool FALSE

💡 Tip: Combine these commands in a script for use in enterprise deployments or managed environments.

5. View Available Software Updates from Terminal

Even if auto-updates are off, you can manually check for available updates using:

softwareupdate -l

This lists available updates.

6. Install Updates via Terminal

To install all available updates:

sudo softwareupdate -i -a

To install a specific update:

sudo softwareupdate -i "macOS Ventura 13.5.1"

To download without installing:

sudo softwareupdate -d -a

7. Reset Update Settings to Default

If things go wrong and you'd like to return to default update settings:

sudo softwareupdate --schedule on
defaults delete com.apple.SoftwareUpdate
defaults delete com.apple.commerce

This removes custom configuration and lets macOS manage updates in its default state.

Why You Might Want to Disable Auto-Updates?

While automatic updates improve convenience and security, they may not suit everyone.

Common Reasons to Disable:

• Prevent interruption during work: Updates can cause unexpected reboots.
• Avoid compatibility issues: New updates may break compatibility with critical apps or plugins.
• Control data usage: Ideal for metered or mobile data connections.
• Delay major upgrades: Some users prefer to wait for reviews before upgrading to a new macOS version.

How to Manually Check and Install Updates?

Whether or not you have auto-updates enabled, you can manually initiate updates whenever you choose.

macOS System Updates:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update (Ventura+).
2. Click Check for Updates or follow the prompt.
3. Click Install Now if updates are available.

App Store Updates:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Click Updates in the sidebar.
3. Click Update All or update individual apps as needed.

Manually managing updates allows you to choose the most convenient time for installation.

Troubleshooting Auto-Update Issues

Issue 1: Auto-Updates Aren't Working

• Fix: Ensure all update toggles are enabled in System Settings or Preferences.
• Fix: Reboot your Mac and try checking for updates again.

Issue 2: Auto-Updates Are Enabled But System Isn't Updating

• Fix: Check your internet connection.
• Fix: Sign in to your Apple ID and make sure App Store permissions are enabled.

Issue 3: Terminal Command Not Working

• Fix: Ensure you run commands with sudo and enter the admin password.
• Fix: Check for typos or incorrect Boolean values (TRUE, FALSE).

Best Practices for Managing macOS Updates

• Backup before major updates: Use Time Machine or a third-party backup tool.
• Schedule updates during off-hours: Avoid work disruption.
• Read release notes: Understand what's being installed before proceeding.
• Wait a few days on new releases: Let Apple iron out potential bugs before jumping in.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to enable or disable auto-updates on macOS, the most important factor is control. Automatic updates are a helpful feature for most users, ensuring that systems remain protected and up to date. However, advanced users or professionals who rely on stability and compatibility may prefer to manage updates manually.

macOS offers flexible settings through the GUI and Terminal, so you can tailor your update strategy based on your needs. Just remember: staying current on security patches is crucial - so if you disable auto-updates, make it a habit to check for new updates regularly.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take full control of how and when your Mac gets updated, minimizing interruptions while maintaining system security and performance.