softwareupdate MacOS Command Guide
The softwareupdate command on MacOS allows users to check for and install system updates directly from the terminal. By running this command, users can efficiently keep their MacOS system up to date with the latest software patches and security fixes released by Apple. This command simplifies the update process for users who prefer to manage their system updates through the terminal rather than the graphical user interface. Additionally, the softwareupdate command can be automated using scripts, making it a convenient tool for system administrators and power users.
softwareupdate Syntax:
Section titled “softwareupdate Syntax:”softwareupdate [options] [parameters]Options:
Section titled “Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -l, —list | List all available updates |
| -d, —download | Download available updates |
| -i, —install | Install downloaded updates |
| -a, —all | Install all updates (including recommended) |
| -r, —recommended | Install only recommended updates |
| -v, —verbose | Enable verbose output |
| -h, —help | Display help information |
Parameters:
Section titled “Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Specify a specific update to download or install |
softwareupdate Command Samples:
Section titled “softwareupdate Command Samples:”Check for Available Updates
Section titled “Check for Available Updates”softwareupdate -lList all available updates for the macOS system.
Install Available Updates
Section titled “Install Available Updates”sudo softwareupdate -i -aInstall all available updates for the macOS system.
Install a Specific Update
Section titled “Install a Specific Update”sudo softwareupdate -i "Safari13.1.2-13.1.3"Install a specific update, in this case, the Safari update from version 13.1.2 to 13.1.3.
Download Available Updates Only
Section titled “Download Available Updates Only”softwareupdate -d -aDownload all available updates without installing them on the macOS system.
Ignore a Specific Update
Section titled “Ignore a Specific Update”sudo softwareupdate --ignore "macOS Big Sur"Ignore a specific update, in this case, the macOS Big Sur update.
Reset Ignored Updates
Section titled “Reset Ignored Updates”sudo softwareupdate --reset-ignoredReset the list of updates that have been ignored, allowing them to appear in future update checks.
Show Installed Updates
Section titled “Show Installed Updates”softwareupdate --historyDisplay a list of updates that have been installed on the macOS system.
softwareupdate FAQ:
Section titled “softwareupdate FAQ:”How do I list available updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I list available updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?”To list available updates using the softwareupdate command in MacOS, use the following command:
softwareupdate -lHow do I install updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I install updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?”To install updates using the softwareupdate command in MacOS, run the following command:
softwareupdate -iaHow do I ignore a specific update with softwareupdate in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I ignore a specific update with softwareupdate in MacOS?”To ignore a specific update using the softwareupdate command in MacOS, use the command with the —ignore option followed by the update identifier:
softwareupdate --ignore "macOS Big Sur"Can I check for updates and download them without installing using softwareupdate in MacOS?
Section titled “Can I check for updates and download them without installing using softwareupdate in MacOS?”To check for updates and download them without installing via the softwareupdate command in MacOS, use the following command:
softwareupdate -d -aHow do I show the download progress of updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I show the download progress of updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?”To display the download progress of updates using the softwareupdate command in MacOS, execute the following command:
softwareupdate --downloadHow do I reset ignored updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?
Section titled “How do I reset ignored updates with softwareupdate in MacOS?”To reset ignored updates using the softwareupdate command in MacOS, run the following command:
softwareupdate --reset-ignoredApplications of the softwareupdate command
Section titled “Applications of the softwareupdate command”- Checking for available updates
- Installing available updates
- Listing all available updates
- Downloading updates without installing them
- Ignoring specific updates
- Enabling or disabling automatic update checks