Warning

Even point updates restart your Mac and modify system files. Save open work and ensure backups are current before installing.

What you will achieve

Install a minor macOS point release — security patches and bug fixes within your current major version — without accepting a full major-version upgrade that jumps you to a new macOS name.

Apple distinguishes “Update Now” (same major version) from “Upgrade Now” (new major version). Confusing the two is how people accidentally move from Ventura to Sonoma when they only wanted a security patch.

1) Open Software Update

Go to System Settings → General → Software Update. macOS checks Apple’s servers automatically; click the refresh control if nothing appears.

On managed Macs (MDM), your organisation may defer updates — contact IT if options are greyed out.

2) Read the offer carefully

macOS [version] Update (e.g. “macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 Update”) — this is a point update. Safe to install if you want to stay on Sonoma.
Upgrade to macOS [new name] (e.g. “Upgrade to macOS Sequoia”) — this is a major migration. Ignore it if you only want patches.

Apple sometimes lists both on the same screen. Scroll past major upgrade banners to find the smaller “Update” button for your current OS.

3) Install the point update

Click Update Now on the point release — not Upgrade.
Agree to terms if prompted.
Allow download and preparation — point updates are smaller than major upgrades but still need several gigabytes free.
Restart when prompted; do not force power off during “Installing” unless it stalls for hours with no disk activity.

4) Apple Silicon vs Intel notes

Apple Silicon Macs download arm64 builds; Intel Macs get x86_64 builds — you never choose manually. Apple Silicon updates may include firmware updates that require a full shutdown after install; Intel Macs may need SMC/NVRAM resets only after failed updates, not routine patches.

5) Rapid Security Response (RSR) if offered

Some point cycles ship as RSR — a smaller patch that installs without full restart. Install these promptly; they address active security issues. If RSR fails, a subsequent point update usually supersedes it.

6) Verify version after restart

Open System Settings → General → About and confirm the version number incremented (e.g. 14.7.1 → 14.7.2). Cross-check critical apps still launch — rare kernel extensions break on security updates.

7) When you cannot find a point update only

If Software Update shows only a major upgrade, your current macOS may be end-of-life for security patches. Check Apple’s security release notes online. Staying on an unsupported major version means accepting risk or planning a controlled major upgrade separately.