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Understand the macOS update process for MHC-owned Apple computers.
Overview
Software updates from Apple add new features and help keep your computer secure, and notifications can sometimes be missed.
MacOS updates on MHC-owned faculty and staff computers must be initiated by individual computer users. LITS uses a tool called Nudge to help make update notices more visible and provide reminders as well as an indicator when updates are particularly critical.
Which computers have Nudge?
All MHC-owned Apple computers running macOS 11 or newer that are assigned to individual faculty and staff should have Nudge installed.
How does Nudge work?
- When a new macOS update is released, Nudge will activate on computers that do not have the update installed.
- At roughly the top and bottom of the hour for 7-28 days, Nudge will display a reminder about the available update and provide one-click access to the System Preferences panel to complete the update.
- Update deadlines will differ depending on whether the pending update has fixes for actively exploited vulnerabilities or not. The Nudge window will show a red True if the update fixes active exploits.
- The update can be deferred for any period of time up to the deadline (try to avoid selecting "Later" -- that will just defer by 30 minutes at the most).
- Most updates take 20-45 minutes to complete, so can be completed during a one hour lunch hour or at the end of the working day.
- When deadline is reached, Nudge will go into full screen mode and prevent any activity except completing the update.
- Nudge will only expect you to update to the latest minor version of your current OS, unless that version is no longer supported. Then it will require an upgrade to the latest compatible release.
Not a good time to update? Exit out of the Nudge window by selecting a Defer option.
Watch a video of Nudge in action!
What do I do if Nudge wants me to upgrade my OS? (not just update)
In System Settings, if you are shown an upgrade to a new version of the operating system but want to stay on the same version for now, follow these simple steps:
- You'll see Another update is available with a More Info link underneath.
- Select More info and install updates to your current version from the next window.
Help, I'm stuck!
If the update check in System Preferences seems to spin and spin and not complete, the software updates mechanism might be stuck. Restart your computer and try the updates again.
Can I request an exclusion?
If you have an emergency need to be excluded from Nudging for a short period of time (such as after a vacation where the computer was off when the deadline was reached), contact the Technology Help Desk with the tag number of the device that needs to be excluded and we will help with a temporary extension.
If you have specialized equipment that needs a more permanent exclusion please request a computer management exception.