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.
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!
What mac do you have?
Macbook air from 2016 i believe
apple logo -- about this mac -- software update.
mine is 2017 so maybe it's similar?
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?
Search for MacOS Monterey in the app store - https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294?mt=12
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.
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!!
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.
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
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.
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
Thanks for this. It worked. We’ve given this old Mac a new lease on life!
Upgrade manually through the App Store:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/102662
You should be able to go up to Monterey
Its stalled when I ‘get’ Monterey
Is there any other way around this?
You can find a direct link to Install macOS Monterey dot app online, you can download and launch that directly
Why don’t you use OCLP and install Sequoia 15.5?
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.
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
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.
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!
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 :’)
have you tried charging it? not sure but maybe it needs more power before the update can finish?
Yeah I have, it’s currently plugged in charging at the moment so it should have enough charge, it’s strange
that is very odd i've never had that issue before ngl. i hope you figure out i'd be soooo mad lol
Boot in recovery (R key while starting, I think). Then reinstall the system. Do NOT shut down while it does it.
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.
I have my MBA M1 for about 2 months and should I update it to macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 or not?
Yes, You should always keep your Mac updated.
"macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 includes bug fixes for your Mac."
Works fine for me, what are you worried about?
It’s bc I switched from Windows to Mac and idk much about MacOS
Why not?
It’s bc I switched from Windows to Mac and idk much about MacOS
You need to keep all operating systems updated. It's no different from windows, linux, bsd, iOS, etc etc etc.
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 :)
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?
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.
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?
Which macOS are you wanting to upgrade to?
Early 2015 can run Yosemite, Sierra came out in fall 2016. El Capitan came out fall 2015 so they came with Yosemite.
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!!!
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
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.
Intel macbook or m1? Update to Ventura first
It’s intel. How do I do that. When I check for updates it just shows the latest one?
App store
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
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
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!
Np!
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.
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.
Nice! i7 in the 11” is pretty rare nowadays.
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.
Same problem : use Firefox instead...
how to update macbook air software
Here’s how to update your MacBook Air software:
Check Compatibility:
Backup Your Data:
Connect to the Internet:
Open System Preferences:
Software Update:
Install Updates:
Check for App Updates:
Important Notes:
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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