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r/macbookair
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How to Update MacBook Air Software

GigaBrain scanned 57 comments to find you 48 relevant comments from 10 relevant discussions.
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Macbook air and how to update software
r/macbookair • 1
Can’t find software update
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MacBook Air will not update
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How to Update MacBook Air Software

TL;DR To update your MacBook Air software, ensure you have enough free space, check for updates via "About This Mac" or the App Store, and consider downloading directly from Apple's website if issues persist.

Checking for Updates

The most straightforward way to update your MacBook Air is through the "Software Update" option in "System Preferences." If this option is missing, you can access it by clicking the Apple logo, selecting "About This Mac," and then choosing "Software Update" [1:1]. For newer models like the 2020 MacBook Air, updates can also be checked directly from the App Store [2:2].

Downloading Updates Manually

If you're experiencing difficulties with the usual update process, downloading the macOS update directly from Apple's support website might be a solution. The Combo updater available there includes all necessary files to replace system files and ensure a complete update [2:1]. Alternatively, you can download specific versions of macOS from the App Store using direct links provided by users [4:1], [4:2].

Storage and System Requirements

Ensure that your MacBook Air has at least 40GB of free SSD space to accommodate the update [3:1], [5:1]. Additionally, you need a working WiFi connection, an Apple ID, admin password, and full admin access to your Mac [3:1]. If your device is managed or firmware locked, updating may not be possible without resolving these issues.

Advanced Methods

For those comfortable with terminal commands, you can list available full installers using softwareupdate --list-full-installers in Terminal [5:1]. Creating a bootable macOS installer USB is another option if standard methods fail [5:1]. This approach can be particularly useful for older MacBooks or when upgrading to a newer macOS version manually [4:6].

Considerations Beyond the Discussions

Before attempting any updates, it's advisable to perform a Time Machine backup to safeguard your data [5:1]. If persistent issues occur, contacting Apple Support for assistance or visiting an Apple Store may provide further solutions.

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Source Threads

POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

Macbook air and how to update software

Posted by dk177 · in r/macbookair · 5 years ago
4 upvotes on reddit
3 replies
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ORIGINAL POST

So when i go into system preferences i noticed that i dont have a “software update” thing to click and after looking on the google that seems to be the only place where to check for updates. Im not very tech savy so if anyone can help me out id appreciate it!

3 replies
saltytoast69 · 5 years ago

What mac do you have?

1 upvotes on reddit
dk177 · OP · 5 years ago

Macbook air from 2016 i believe

1 upvotes on reddit
YESUNICORN · 5 years ago

apple logo -- about this mac -- software update.

mine is 2017 so maybe it's similar?

2 upvotes on reddit
See 3 replies
r/macbookair • [2]

Summarize

Can’t find software update

Posted by Affectionate_Bar_743 · in r/macbookair · 3 years ago

Hey everyone,

This week I bought myself a macbook air 2020 (a2179). It’s the first macbook I own so I’m still trying to figure it out.

The macbook came with macOS Catalina. I tried updating it to Big Sur or Monterey but my mac keeps saying it’s up to date and there aren’t any software apps. I also tried in the app store and there it also says everything is up to date.

Does anyone know what the problem is or anything I can do?

2 upvotes on reddit
2 replies
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2 replies
D
dwaynemoore · 3 years ago

Search for MacOS Monterey in the app store - https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294?mt=12

2 upvotes on reddit
harshltts · 3 years ago

Apple hosts software on its website, so you can download it from there if you are having problems with the usual method.

If you go to Apple's support website you can find a Combo updater which includes all the files required to update the macOS. This version of the update will replace all the system files and thereby ensure the update is complete.

https://support.apple.com/downloads

2 upvotes on reddit
See 2 replies
r/mac • [3]

Summarize

MacBook Air will not update

Posted by whtsgoinonnn · in r/mac · 5 months ago

Hi guys! I bought a used 2020 MacBook Air today. The last update it had was 12.7.6 and will not allow me to update it to 15.4. I have tried using safe mode, recovery mode, restarting it, holding down certain buttons, etc. I’ve been on chat with apple for a few hours now and cannot seem to get this thing to update. It will go through the entire process and take me right back to the software update screen. It does not throw any codes. PLEASE help!!

1 upvotes on reddit
1 replies
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1 replies
M
mikeinnsw · 5 months ago

You need 40 GB of SSD free to update.

and

You need Apple Id, Admin password, working WiFi and full Admin access to Mac – not MDM managed or firmware locked.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 1 replies
r/macbook • [4]

Summarize

2015 MacBook Air software not updating

Posted by Teeeko · in r/macbook · 2 months ago
post image

I’ve got a 2015 MacBook Air running Catalina 10.15.7

I can’t get any further then the checking for updates tab

Let me know if you’ve got any tips

Cheers

i.redd.it
2 upvotes on reddit
9 replies
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9 replies
BluePenguin2002 · 2 months ago

Try opening this page on the MacBook Air, scroll down to the first table showing final full installers and click the download link for 12.7.4. This should download Monterey directly from Apple’s servers.

2 upvotes on reddit
Puzzleheaded-Sky2284 · 2 months ago

This. I had a similar issue with an older system on Big Sur not updating to Monterey (2014 Mac mini) and this method allowed me to update

1 upvotes on reddit
Teeeko · OP · 2 months ago

Thanks for this. It worked. We’ve given this old Mac a new lease on life!

2 upvotes on reddit
Some-Dog5000 · 2 months ago

Upgrade manually through the App Store:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102662

You should be able to go up to Monterey

2 upvotes on reddit
Teeeko · OP · 2 months ago

Its stalled when I ‘get’ Monterey

Is there any other way around this?

2 upvotes on reddit
Teeeko · OP · 2 months ago

https://preview.redd.it/5o0q4zdzn1bf1.jpeg?width=910&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e8b8e80d9b5b53a8ac867627a0de41a6a3acb44

1 upvotes on reddit
Some-Dog5000 · 2 months ago

You can find a direct link to Install macOS Monterey dot app online, you can download and launch that directly

2 upvotes on reddit
mufc05 · 2 months ago

Why don’t you use OCLP and install Sequoia 15.5?

1 upvotes on reddit
markwid · 2 months ago

Grab latest macOS applicable for 2015 Air from App Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294?mt=12

You can launch the install Monterey app and upgrade in place.

4 upvotes on reddit
See 9 replies
r/MacOS • [5]

Summarize

MacOs Sonoma 14.7.5 won’t update

Posted by richijb · in r/MacOS · 5 months ago
post image

Hi, I have a macbook air 2018 that has this problem updating to Mac Os Sonoma 14.7.5. I already tried reinstalling the software from recovery (without deleting data), reset NVRAM and disconnecting the battery. Also tried S.O.S form Utility disk without success. I know it’s not a big deal not updating, but I don’t know why doesn’t need to work. Thanks

i.redd.it
3 upvotes on reddit
1 replies
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1 replies
M
mikeinnsw · 5 months ago

Make sure you have at least 40GB free on system drive.

Do Time Machine(TM) backup

In Terminal(Catalina 10.15 and later) run:

softwareupdate --list-full-installers

https://osxdaily.com/2020/04/13/how-download-full-macos-installer-terminal/

To create bootable MacOs INSTALLER USB.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201372

1 upvotes on reddit
See 1 replies
r/mac • [6]

Summarize

Help needed for Mac update

Posted by Living_Complex_2503 · in r/mac · 17 days ago

I need help with my mac. It’s a MacBook Air from 2019 and when I opened my mac in class this morning it was updating. 4 hours later when I came home, nothing had changed, so I tried to turn off my MacBook to see if it would stop (because I have work to do and I desperately need to use it). It turned off, however, when it turned back on it is not stuck in this loop of loading a little bit with the Apple logo, then shutting down again, and then it starts updating again with the Apple logo, but then shutting down again. This just goes on and on and on and nothing changes. Please help, idk what to do!

2 upvotes on reddit
6 replies
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6 replies
Living_Complex_2503 · OP · 17 days ago

UPDATE:

I managed to get it back to normal through pressing I think it was Command + R and it brought me to MacOS utilities. I then restarted my mac through reinstalling MacOS Sonoma. So all is good. Thank you everyone for the advice though :’)

1 upvotes on reddit
planetaryvampire · 17 days ago

have you tried charging it? not sure but maybe it needs more power before the update can finish?

1 upvotes on reddit
Living_Complex_2503 · OP · 17 days ago

Yeah I have, it’s currently plugged in charging at the moment so it should have enough charge, it’s strange

1 upvotes on reddit
planetaryvampire · 17 days ago

that is very odd i've never had that issue before ngl. i hope you figure out i'd be soooo mad lol

1 upvotes on reddit
E
Electrical_West_5381 · 17 days ago

Boot in recovery (R key while starting, I think). Then reinstall the system. Do NOT shut down while it does it.

4 upvotes on reddit
D
DoomPaDeeDee · 17 days ago

Once you're booted into Recovery Mode, make sure you have enough free disk space before reinstalling Mac OS like Electrical_West_5381 suggested.

Turn OFF automatic updates in settings so it doesn't update at an inconvenient time again.

2 upvotes on reddit
See 6 replies
r/macbookair • [7]

Summarize

Macbook Air M1 software update

Posted by sushixtonkatsu · in r/macbookair · 4 years ago

I have my MBA M1 for about 2 months and should I update it to macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 or not?

3 upvotes on reddit
9 replies
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9 replies
H
HigherConfusion · 4 years ago

Yes, You should always keep your Mac updated.

2 upvotes on reddit
M
marxy · 4 years ago

"macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 includes bug fixes for your Mac."

Works fine for me, what are you worried about?

3 upvotes on reddit
sushixtonkatsu · OP · 4 years ago

It’s bc I switched from Windows to Mac and idk much about MacOS

2 upvotes on reddit
M
marxy · 4 years ago

Is it standard practice to not update Windows to the latest version?

1 upvotes on reddit
Loud69ing · 4 years ago

You should always update windows lol. Just never use their beta software.

1 upvotes on reddit
A
Advanced_Path · 4 years ago

Why not?

2 upvotes on reddit
sushixtonkatsu · OP · 4 years ago

It’s bc I switched from Windows to Mac and idk much about MacOS

1 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 4 years ago

You need to keep all operating systems updated. It's no different from windows, linux, bsd, iOS, etc etc etc.

3 upvotes on reddit
SnooFloofs818484 · 4 years ago

I am on Monterey. Works super smooth. I recommend to update to newest OS. You have M1, SSD, etc. It won’t slow down your MacBook Air M1. Enjoy :)

1 upvotes on reddit
See 9 replies
r/MacOS • [8]

Summarize

Macbook Air update

Posted by Qazigahmed · in r/MacOS · 4 years ago

My Macbook Air (Early 2015 13”) is on 10.10.5 Yosemite, I can’t find a way to update it to a higher version. Clicking on software update leads me to the app store that says no update available. Is Yosemite the max this laptop can handle or is there a work around through this?

2 upvotes on reddit
6 replies
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6 replies
C
CanineFuchs · 4 years ago

2015 MBA? That should have come with OS 10.12 Sierra, not Yosemite.

Anyway it is good for OS 11 Big Sur, and eventually OS 12 Monterey later in October.

But you must first install OS 10.13.6 High Sierra, for important firmware updates which will enable your MBA to progress further. I suggest copying out your data before performing a clean installation using a USB boot drive. Google has plenty of instructions.

2 upvotes on reddit
Qazigahmed · OP · 4 years ago

Whenever I go to the App Store to install a newer MacOs, it gives me the error “500 Internal Server Error”. Shall I try installing a dmg file first and then upgrading through App Store?

1 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 4 years ago

Which macOS are you wanting to upgrade to?

1 upvotes on reddit
Q
Quiet_Sink483 · 4 years ago

Early 2015 can run Yosemite, Sierra came out in fall 2016. El Capitan came out fall 2015 so they came with Yosemite.

3 upvotes on reddit
Qazigahmed · OP · 4 years ago

Fixed! Downloaded Sierra from the Apple website, set that up and then installed Big Sur from the App Store. Thank you for the help everyone!!!

3 upvotes on reddit
Unknown-user22 · 4 years ago

downloadmacos.com

This website allows you to download every version of macOS as the installer you get in the App Store. It’s basically it uploaded to the website

Download it and run the installer as usual

2 upvotes on reddit
See 6 replies
r/mac • [9]

Summarize

MacBook Air stuck in updating loop

Posted by Hoodrogyny · in r/mac · 4 months ago
post image

My MacBook is stuck in a update loop every time I update it,wait a few hours to do its thing when it turns back on this window pops up and the computer says it’s ready to update again! I’ve updated it 6 times already and it keeps happening. I recently got the screen fixed if that means anything.

i.redd.it
6 upvotes on reddit
3 replies
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3 replies
N
Nike_486DX · 4 months ago

Intel macbook or m1? Update to Ventura first

1 upvotes on reddit
Hoodrogyny · OP · 4 months ago

It’s intel. How do I do that. When I check for updates it just shows the latest one?

2 upvotes on reddit
SandyBridgeMBP · 4 months ago

App store

1 upvotes on reddit
See 3 replies
r/mac • [10]

Summarize

HELP! Mac Air 2015 no longer supports streaming. Cannot update chrome without updating the laptop, but I have no updates available?

Posted by contingentcolours · in r/mac · 2 years ago

I own a 2015 Macbook Air running on OS X Yosemite, which I primarily use for streaming (Netflix, etc). When I tried to log into Netflix and Prime, a pop up appeared saying "Your browser is no longer support, please install the latest version." However, Chrome says I cannot update without updating my computer. When I go to update system, it brings me to the App store and says "no updates available."

I obviously don't want to ditch a perfectly functioning computer, so if any of you have ideas for how to get around this situation, your help would be much appreciated!

Additional info: Processor: OS X Yosemite, Version 10.10.5

4 upvotes on reddit
8 replies
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8 replies
T
the_saturnos · 2 years ago

I wonder why… you’re using a version from 2014. Download Monterey from the App Store using this link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294?mt=12

3 upvotes on reddit
C
contingentcolours · OP · 2 years ago

I'm downloading now! Thank you so much for this. I feel like my App Store is stuck in 2015--it's screen is always blank. I appreciate your help!

2 upvotes on reddit
T
the_saturnos · 2 years ago

Np!

2 upvotes on reddit
S
Strait409 · 2 years ago

This Apple Support link has links to the App Store for several newer versions of macOS.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

You can go straight to Monterey on that machine.

6 upvotes on reddit
S
SalsaGreen · 2 years ago

Several people appointed you to getting Monterey. I can vouch that Monterey works just fine on the 2015 MacBook Air. I have a 2015 11” i7 on the latest version of Monterey.

5 upvotes on reddit
T
Top-Seaworthiness850 · 2 years ago

Nice! i7 in the 11” is pretty rare nowadays.

1 upvotes on reddit
S
SalsaGreen · 2 years ago

It is. I have a soft spot for the 2nd gen Air. Got through the bulk of 2 graduate degrees with a 2012 i7. Bought this 2015 in 2020 as a throwback, occasional use machine. I've enjoyed using it more than I expected to.

1 upvotes on reddit
izebbee066 · 2 years ago

Same problem : use Firefox instead...

-2 upvotes on reddit
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Related

Why can't I update my Macbook air

how to fix macbook air update issues

macbook air not enough space for update

macbook air update stuck on loading

AI Answer

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how to update macbook air software

Here’s how to update your MacBook Air software:

  1. Check Compatibility:

    • Ensure your MacBook Air is compatible with the latest macOS version. You can find compatibility information on Apple's website.
  2. Backup Your Data:

    • Before updating, back up your important files using Time Machine or another backup method to prevent data loss.
  3. Connect to the Internet:

    • Make sure your MacBook Air is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  4. Open System Preferences:

    • Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
    • Select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
  5. Software Update:

    • Click on Software Update. Your Mac will check for available updates.
    • If updates are available, you will see a prompt to download and install them.
  6. Install Updates:

    • Click on Update Now to install the updates. You may need to enter your administrator password.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Your Mac may restart during this process.
  7. Check for App Updates:

    • Open the App Store and go to the Updates tab to ensure all your apps are also up to date.

Important Notes:

  • Regularly updating your software helps improve security, performance, and access to new features.
  • If you encounter issues during the update, you can check Apple’s support page for troubleshooting tips.

Recommendation: It's a good practice to enable automatic updates in the Software Update settings to ensure your MacBook Air stays up to date without manual intervention.

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