People are currently reading this guide.
Conquering the Update Beast: How to Update Your macOS High Sierra (Without Turning Your Mac into a Disco Ball)
Let's face it, updating your Mac can be as exciting as watching paint dry. You know it needs doing, those security updates are important after all, but the whole process feels shrouded in mystery. Will it take hours? Will your precious files vanish into the digital ether? Fear not, fellow traveler on the path of procrastination, for I am here to guide you through the update labyrinth with minimal drama and maximum amusement.
Step 1: The Pre-Update Prep Party (Because Adulting is Boring)
- Backup, Backup, Backup: This isn't a suggestion, it's a commandment carved into the holy tablets of tech support. Time Machine is your friend, use it! External hard drive? Even better! Don't be that person who cries into their lukewarm coffee because they lost their cat videos.
- Power Up: Plug your Mac into the wall socket. We don't want the update to die mid-transformation, leaving you with a glitchy, half-Sierra, half-Who-Knows-What monstrosity. Unless that's your thing, then by all means, live dangerously.
- Close Unnecessary Programs: Think of your Mac's RAM as a party. Too many guests (programs) and things get slow and messy. Shut down anything you're not actively using to give the update process some breathing room.
Step 2: The Moment of Truth (Or Maybe Just a Click)
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences for the pre-Mojave crowd). Just picture this: you click the Apple logo in the top left corner, then valiantly choose "System Settings" from the dropdown menu. You're practically Indiana Jones at this point.
- Click "General" (because that's where all the cool update kids hang out).
- Behold! The Glorious "Software Update" Button! Click it with the reverence you'd show the Holy Grail. (Dramatic music optional)
Step 3: The Update Odyssey (Prepare for Mild Inconvenience)
- Your Mac might restart a few times. Don't panic! This is perfectly normal. Think of it as your Mac taking a power nap to recharge for its new, improved self.
- The progress bar might seem to move slower than a sloth on vacation. Be patient, grasshopper. Downloading updates takes time, especially if your internet connection resembles a dial-up modem from the 90s. Use this time to ponder the mysteries of the universe, or maybe just catch up on some cat videos (assuming you backed them up).
- There might be flashing lights and progress bars. Don't worry, your Mac isn't having a seizure, it's just working its magic. Unless your Mac starts playing disco music, then maybe consult a professional.
Step 4: The Post-Update Victory Lap (High Five Yourself!)
- Your Mac should be all updated and ready to go! Pat yourself on the back, you technological marvel. You've conquered the update beast and emerged victorious.
- Now go forth and amaze your friends and family with your incredible tech prowess. (Just don't tell them it was actually quite easy)
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can check the "Automatically keep my Mac up to date" box in Software Update. This way, you never have to worry about these update shenanigans again. But where's the fun in that, right?
