Mac OS X: How to Install and Update Mac OS X

This document describes how to install Mac OS X, and update it to the latest software version.
How to Install Mac OS X

These steps describe installation on a disk that does not contain Mac OS X. If you already have Mac OS X installed and want to update or reinstall it, skip this section.

How to Update Mac OS X

Note: If your version is 10.0.4 or earlier, you must update to Mac OS X 10.1 before you can install the latest software. This requires a 10.1 update CD.

Once you know which version you have installed, you may update one of two ways, Automatic Software Update or by using standalone installers from Apple Software Downloads (http://www.apple.com/swupdates/).

Automatic Software Update

Automatic Software Update is available in the System Preferences application. For more information on how to use it, see technical document 106704: "Mac OS X: How to Update Your Software".

Manual update using standalone installer

You can download software updates from Apple Software Downloads (http://www.apple.com/swupdates/). Some updates must be installed in a specific sequence, which is described in technical document 106713: "Mac OS X 10.1: Chart of Available Software Updates".

How to Reinstall Mac OS X

You should not reinstall an earlier version of Mac OS X over a later version. For more information, see technical documents:

106605: "Mac OS X 10.1: Do Not Reinstall After Using the Mac OS X Update 10.1.1, 10.1.2, 10.1.3, 10.1.4, or 10.1.5".

Related Documents

106692 Mac OS X: Troubleshooting Installation and Software Updates


Published Date: Oct 8, 2016