If your Mac was just repaired and now starts up to the setup assistant, learn how to restore your Mac from a backup.
Apple says the new MacOS Big Sur update is its biggest design change in almost 20 years. The refreshed operating system for Mac computers includes a big update to the web browser, more privacy. Jun 29, 2020. Jun 23, 2020.
Check for an Internet connection
It's best to set up your Mac somewhere that has a Wi-Fi network or other connection to the Internet. Your Mac will use that connection to complete certain setup steps. If the network requires a password, have the password ready.
Plug in only the essential devices
If you're using an external keyboard and trackpad or mouse, turn them on or plug them into your Mac. If you're using an external display, plug it in and turn it on as well, but don't connect any other peripherals yet. And of course plug in your Mac.
If you've never used a trackpad before, here's a tip: To click, press down or tap on the trackpad surface.
Turn on your Mac
Some Mac notebooks automatically start up when you connect the computer to power or open its lid. On other Mac computers, press the power button to start up.
Use the setup assistant
A series of windows will ask you for setup details, such as your Apple ID. If you've used iTunes or have an iPhone or iPad, you already have an Apple ID. Use the same Apple ID on your Mac.
We recommend that you let the setup assistant turn on FileVault, iCloud Keychain, and Find My Mac. You can also let it transfer information from another computer or Time Machine backup, or you can do that later using Migration Assistant.
You'll be asked to create the name and password of your computer account. You'll need this information to log in to your Mac, change certain settings, and install software.
Check for software updates
When the setup assistant finishes setting up your Mac, you'll see the Finder, which includes a menu bar at the top of the screen and the desktop below that.
Click App Store in the Dock at the bottom of your screen, then find and install any software updates. After your software is up to date, you can connect any printers or other peripherals and begin using your Mac.
How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later
If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
- When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.
How to get updates for earlier macOS versions
If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
- Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
- When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.
To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.
* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu > Software Update.
How to get updates for iOS
New Apple Mac Pro
Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.
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New Apple Macbooks
- Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
- You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
- Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.