• If your computer already has Mac OS X Lion installed, iAtkos will just update Lion to Mountain Lion normally, without deleting any of your apps or files. However, not every computer will work with Mac OS X. Be sure to read the Hackintosh compatibility guide (will be posted soon) very carefully, to check whether or not your computer qualifies.
  • If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos.

In theory, updating mac OS should be a simple exercise. In reality, the update process can go awry in many different ways.

Macintosh Operating System: The Macintosh Operating System (Mac OS) is an operating system (OS) designed by Apple Inc. To be installed and operated on the Apple Macintosh series of computers. Introduced in 1984, it is a graphical user interface (GUI) based OS that has since been released as multiple different versions. Initially, Mac OS was.

The process starts with your Mac notifying you that there’s an update available. Depending on your settings, your OS may have already downloaded the update. If that’s the case, all you need to do is click on “Go” to install it.

Mac

Most of the time, this is where the problem will occur. When you start the installation process, your Mac may freeze or get stuck on the updating screen. Other times, you may not even be able to download the update at all.

The good news: there are several solutions to each of these issues. Here’s all you need to know about how to install a mac OS update.

Download Troubles

Can’t get past the download stage? If so, here’s a list of things you should try.

1. Check Apple’s Servers

Any time Apple releases a new update, their servers are more likely to take a hit. If too many people are trying to grab the update, you may need to wait for your turn. To make sure you’re good to go, check the System Status page.

2. Use a Wired Connection

Struggling with low WiFi speeds? Consider using an Ethernet cable to download the update as soon as possible. If your Mac only has a USB port, you’ll need an Ethernet adapter with an RJ-45 connector to plug yourself into the hub.

3. Restart the Download

Sometimes, the download will stop for no apparent reason. If there’s been no progress for at least a few hours, it may be best to cancel it and start over.

If you’re using Mojave or higher, go to System Preferences > Software Update. To stop the download, click on the x on the right side of the bar that shows the download progress. Then, start the download again from the same screen.

For a pre-Mojave system, you’ll need to head to the Mac App Store. Find the software update you’re trying to download and press Alt/Option. This should give you the option to cancel the download and start it again.

4. Look Elsewhere

On rare occasions, the issue will lie in the Software Update feature itself. If you’re running a newer OS, you may have better luck grabbing the update via the Mac App Store. Of course, make sure to cancel the update in Software Update beforehand.

Trying to download a point update instead of a completely new OS version? If so, you can use Apple’s website instead of Software Update or the App Store. All the updates are in the Download section, so pick the one you need.

Stalled Updates

When your update runs into an issue, it will get stuck on the updating screen. You may even see the dreaded spinning beach ball. Here’s what you can do about it.

1. Make Sure It’s Frozen

First things first: verify that the installation isn’t running in the background. If you reboot your Mac during this process, there’s a risk you’ll lose some data. This is why it’s a good idea to back up your machine before installing new software.

Also, some Mac updates take a very long time. This is particularly true if you’re updating your software on the same day that Apple releases it. If you can spare the time, leave your Mac running overnight to try and finish the job.

Keep in mind that the progress bar is an unreliable indicator of update activity. It can tell you that you’ll need to wait two hours just before jumping down to 30 minutes. This often happens because your Mac is installing files behind the scenes.

2. Look at the Log

The Log screen tends to provide a better update time prediction. To access it, press Command + L. This will show you which files are getting installed and how long this should take. You should also see additional information about the process.

If it turns out that your installation is still ongoing, give it at least a few hours. To learn more about the update process, check out this guide.

System Freezing

If the Log shows that nothing is happening, restart your Mac and try again. If that doesn’t help, go through the following steps until you find and fix the problem.

1. Combo Update

As mentioned above, Apple hosts all the necessary update files on its website. If you’re having trouble with the usual method, get your software from the website.

To do that, go to the Downloads section and find the Combo Update option. This software version includes all the files you need to update the OS. On top of that, it will replace any system files you already have, ensuring that the update can finish.

2. Use Safe Mode

To enter Safe Mode, press the power button and hold down your Shift key. Keep holding down Shift until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen, then release it. While you’re in Safe Mode, open the App Store and update all your apps.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, you may not have enough storage available for the update. To remedy this, go back to Safe Mode and delete any apps you don’t need.

Mind: First Mac Os X

3. Reset the NVRAM

Resetting the NVRAM is a quick way to troubleshoot a Mac that behaves strangely. To reset your NVRAM, leave Safe Mode and hold down Command, P, R, and Alt/Option. Once you restart your Mac, try to start the update again.

More on Updating Mac OS

With some luck, the above tips will help you in your quest of updating mac OS.

If all else fails, consider reinstalling your mac OS via Recovery Mode. This will replace all the Apple system files, including the ones that may be causing the problem. To do this, hold down Command + R and select the “Install New OS” option.

Are you wondering, “What’s the best way to update my mac OS?” Interested in other Mac tips that will make your life easier? To find that out, read more of our tech-related content!

Since the release of System 1 in January 1984, Apple has played an integral role in designing and implementing the graphical user interface (GUI) as we know it.

With the announcement of OS X Mountain Lion this week, Apple is continuing the process it started with Lion by streamlining the connection between the Mac and iOS.

We wanted to take a look at some of the biggest changes in the history of the Mac Operating System over the last 28 years. Looking back, I can't help but be struck by how many elements of the original Macintosh OS are still there more than 30 years after the project started taking shape.

It's a testament to the work of Bill Atkinson, Andy Hertzfeld, Bud Tribble and the other members of the original Macintosh team that so many aspects from System 1 have become integral to personal computing as we know it today.

There are a few phases in the evolution of the Mac OS that are of particular note. System 7 was the longest-running release for Apple (until OS X); it shipped with all Macintosh machines from 1991 to 1997. If you're in your mid-to-late 20s and used a Mac in elementary or middle school, chances are it was running some iteration of System 7.

One of the many challenges Apple faced in the 1990s was figuring out a new operating system strategy. As revolutionary as the original Mac OS work was, by 1994 it was starting to look stagnant and stale. This was especially true after the first release of Windows NT in 1993, which cemented Microsoft's place in the corporate and enterprise space.

After the Copland project was cancelled in 1996, Apple was left to search for an operating system it could acquire. That led to the purchase of NeXT and its NeXTSTEP operating system.

Not only would NeXT technology serve as the foundation for the future of Apple as it is known today (OS X and iOS are direct descendants of NeXTSTEP), it was responsible for bringing Steve Jobs back to Apple.

It would end up taking ten years from the beginning of the search for a next-generation Mac OS. But the hunt finally reached its quarry with the release of Mac OS X in 2001. But it would take until Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) before the system was really able to hold its own.

Over the last decade, OS X has evolved into a powerful desktop and server platform — while also serving as the core for iOS. With OS X Mountain Lion, Apple is bringing more of the elements and features of its mobile OS to the desktop.

Mind: First Mac Os Update

Vintage computer fans who want to take a look at more screenshots of classic Mac OS versions should check out Marcin Wichary's GUIdebook Gallery and Nathan Lineback's collection of GUI history.

Mind: First Mac Os Catalina

Gallery created by Chelsea Stark