During these times of numerous cyber-attacks and quick propagating malware, it is critical to install security updates to protect your system from software vulnerabilities. Further, there are additional benefits of access to new features and functions that will enhance user experience and productivity.
More general information about OS Updates, visit the FAQs >>
for Sonoma users ONLY
Sonoma 14.7.1
DEADLINE 11/15/24 @ 11:30pm.
You can update your computer via the nudge prompt reminder but you don't have to wait for the nudge to pop up to do so. Know that this is not the only way to access the "Software Update" window. You may initiate a manual update by visiting your "System Preferences" (now called "System Settings" in Ventura). Once you've reached the Software Update window, you may proceed to the next steps to continue updating your computer.
#1 Nudge Option:
After you click on the "Check & Update Device" button on the nudge prompt, you'll see a window like this, which is your "Software Update" window.
ALWAYS click on "More Info" to verify you are installing the correct OS, according to the nudge prompt window. [Refer to What is a Nudge Prompt #1 for more details.]
#2 More Info Window:
After clicking on "More Info" you can verify that you are installing the correct OS version.
If you cannot find the correct OS version, please contact your Educational (Instructional) Technology Specialist or email the helpdesk@ksbe.edu.
#3 Manual Update Option:
You can always find your updates via "System Settings."
Keep in mind, you don't have to wait for the update nudge, you may initiate your update here at anytime an update is available.
#4 Not seeing the current update?:
Go to "Self Service."
Find the "OS Update - Kickstart" and click the button below. It may say "Fix" or "Complete" depending if you have run it before or not. No matter what the button says, click on it and let it run.
Once the "OS Update - Kickstart" has finished, run the second policy you see below, "Kickstart SW Update & Open System Preferences." "Run" or "Run Again," and let the policy complete running.
When you go to "More Info" at the update window, you should now see the update you are looking for.
WAIT, CHECK THIS BEFORE INSTALLING THE UPDATE
BACK-UP DATA before running your update.
PLUG IN YOUR LAPTOP before running your update.
Once the correct OS update version has been selected, click on "install now." You will be prompted to type in your computer login password, then click "OK."
Your computer will restart.
Login once it boots up and go to Step #2 below 👇🏽 to verify that the OS has been properly updated to the correct version.
Here is a 5 Minute video explaining how to use the Software Nudge.
Please review more details below if you have further questions about this process.
Knowing what your current operating system (OS) is, is very helpful when an update prompt appears. It is recommended to verify before and after an update, to ensure you are on the current recommended OS.
ABOUT THIS MAC:
Find the Apple icon on the top left of your laptop screen. Click it, then select "About This Mac."
You'll see a small window pop-up, telling you which OS version you are currently running. This way, you can compare what version you have to what is being recommended/nudged.
Noticed the highlighted area in the screenshot. I am on Version 12.6.3. If you are on a lower version that what is recommended/nudged, you'll need to perform an update.
See the images below. If you're still on Monterey, your window will like the one on the left. If you're already on Ventura, you will see a similar window on the right.
SONOMA OS
If the current version you verified is not the same as the OS version you need to install, you may have to try the installation again using the same steps.
Further issues with updates? It is recommended to contact your campus Educational (Instructional) Technology Specialist or email the helpdesk@ksbe.edu.
Rule of Thumb: Anytime you have an update nudge pop-up on your computer, you may choose to update immediately or nudge until a later time that is more convenient. You may nudge as many times as you need to within the deadline that appears on the bottom left area of the nudge prompt window.
A NUDGE IS A REMINDER TO UPDATE YOUR COMPUTER
When operating system (OS) updates are made available, your computer will prompt you to "Update Device." This is a nudge prompt. Basically it's a reminder to update your OS. Please review the bullet points below, explaining the information on the nudge prompt. It is recommended to check this information for EVERY UPDATE as they are rolled out.
1. OS Information:
Notice that the "Required OS Version" is shown here, as 12.6.1. The "Required OS Version" is what you need to install and the "Current OS Version" is what you have installed.
You'll also see "Current OS Version." You can verify this by following the instructions in Step #3.
Days/Hours Remaining to Update: VERY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THIS! Indicated in the screenshot, the update deadline is in 11 days. You may postpone updates by clicking on the "defer" button which appears in the bottom right corner of the prompt window. If you continue to defer BEYOND the deadline, updates will be more persistent and cumbersome, blocking your screen and limiting functionality at random intervals! Avoid these persistent pop-ups by initiating the update manually at a convenient time. (see "Step #2: Updating your Computer" for details on updating manually)
2. Estimated Time for the Update:
Here you can see how long the current update may take to download and install. Plan accordingly to be without your computer for this long while it's updating.
3. IMPORTANT REMINDER:
You must be CONNECTED TO POWER before installing your updates. Why? If your computer dies in the middle of performing an update, this can result in A CORRUPTED OPERATING SYSTEM AND OR DATA LOSS.
This reminder recommends you BACK-UP YOUR DATA! Updates often can be performed without issue, but it is not 100% guaranteed the update will complete without an error. If there is an error, you may not be able to access your data easily, maybe not at all depending on the severity of the error.
4. DEFER REMINDER:
This reminds you that you can defer up until the deadline (shown at the top of this page). If you try to defer beyond the deadline, you nudge prompts will become more persistent and can interrupt instruction at inconvenient times. Please make sure to install your updates before posted deadlines.