How to

User Guide on How to Disable Automatic Software Update

Disable Automatic Software Update
Written by Hassan Abbas

Disable Automatic Software Update: When automatic software updates turned on using your Mac can be handy. Those updates can also happen at an inconvenient time. You may also prefer to update your Mac manually at a time that’s easy for you.

A similar thing goes for app updates using the Mac App Store. However, you like to review those updates first in case there’s an app you no longer want. Or probably you’re actively using an app and like to update it later instead.

There’s an instant and simplest way to disable automatic software updates on Mac for both macOS and App Store apps.

Disable Automatic Software Updates on Mac

You can also take care of disabling these updates all in one spot using the following steps.

Step 1:

Firstly, Open System Preferences using the icon in your Dock or by Apple icon > System Preferences from the menu bar.

Step 2:

Choose Software Update.

Step 3:

Tap the Advanced button.

Step 4:

If you unmark the first box for Check for updates, that will automatically unmark the remaining boxes. But, it’s clever to leave this marked so that your system checks for updates and inform you of before downloading and installing.

If you plan to automatically install updates for either macOS or the App Store, in specific, leave the Check for updates box checked. However, mark the next box for Download new updates when available, and then make your choice for the other options.

Note: Also if you disable automatic macOS and app updates. Then consider keeping the box at the bottom for system data files and privacy updates checked. Also, mark the box to install those when available. Remember it’s important to receive those types of timely updates.

Step 5:

When you complete your changes, tap OK.

Keep your Mac Up to Date

If you plan to receive all software updates automatically again. You can just move back to System Preferences > Software Update and then tap the box for Automatically keep my Mac up to date.

This will also modify it from a minus sign to a mark and automatically tick all of the boxes in the Advanced section.

Conclusion:

Here’s all about “Disable Automatic Software Update”. Make sure that keep your Mac, and the apps you use, up to date for optimal performance. However, if you disable automatic software updates, make sure to check for and install new updates at a time that works for you.

Are you decide to turn off any of your automatic updates? Let us know in a comments section below!

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About the author

Hassan Abbas

Tech enthusiast with too many items on his wish-list and not nearly enough money! Specializing in all things tech, with a slight Apple bent he has been writing for various blogs for the best part of (too many) years

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