Mac Make Sure App Doesn't Update

As a Mac user, it's likely that at least some of the apps you have didn't come from the Mac App Store. While you can just head to the store's Update tab to download the latest version of your store-bought apps, updating third-party software from outside the Mac App Store can require a little more effort.

While these instructions don't hold true for every non-App Store Mac app, here are the common ways of keeping these apps up-to-date.

Updating your Mac is easy. And if all you do is download apps from the Mac App Store, keeping those updated is easy, too. But if you want to make sure everything on your Mac has the most recent.

Jul 09, 2018 I have the little red notification on my App Store and it’s because the actual App Store needs to update. But whenever I try to it just spins for a second then doesnt actually update. I’ve tried logging out of my Apple ID and then turning the phone on and off and that doesn’t work. Not sure what else to do. It’s a brand new phone.
In the Updates section of the Mac App Store, Apple software updates will appear near the top of the page. Usually, the section will say 'Updates are available for your computer,' followed by the names of the available updates, such as OS X Update 10.8.1.

How to update a non-App Store app

Checking for an update often requires just a quick trip to the Menu bar.

Open your chosen app.
Click your app's name in the Menu bar at the top of the screen.
Click Check for Updates.
Click Download and Install if there is an available update.

How to setup automatic update checks

Setting automatic update checks removes some of the mental load of maintaining your favorite apps.

Open your chosen app.
Click on your app's name in the Menu bar at the top of the screen.
Click Preferences.
If available, click the Update tab in the app's Preferences window. In some apps, you may have to head to a tab labeled Advanced.
Check the box next to something like Check for updates or Check for updates automatically.
If available, choose an option for how often the app should check for new updates, usually hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly.

Questions?

Looking for more information on updating apps downloaded outside of the Mac App Store? Let us know in the comments.

macOS Catalina

Main

Why Won't My Mac Update

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Mac Won't Update Os

exposure notification