macOS Updates on YSU Owned Computers: FAQ

How are macOS Updates generally applied to YSU owned computers?

Refer to the following questions and answers regarding macOS Updates and their behavior on YSU owned computers.

Q: Why do we install macOS Updates?
A: macOS Updates are installed largely for 3 reasons: Security, Resolve Operating System Issues, and Access to New Features. 

• Security: More than ever we are faced with the threat of software vulnerabilities. Installing macOS Updates fixes these holes in the operating system. By patching the fundamental framework and supporting services in the macOS, identified outside threats will have a harder time exploiting the Mac operating system. These patches come in the form of Apple Security Updates and are pushed out to computers based on reactions to identified vulnerabilities in macOS. 
   

• Resolve Issues: The Mac operating system is not perfect and is constantly being improved by Apple. Identified issues are patched through minor updates monthly. These updates are designed to resolve non-critical issues and improve user experience. 
   

• New Features: Apple updates the MacOS by releasing yearly major versions of the operating system, generally between October-December. These larger updates include new features, services and applications meant to improve the overall user experience. Some of these features include services that run in the background to improve integrations with IT device management.

As ITS strives to consistently improve our end user computer support, keeping computers patched to the latest supported version provides the best integration with our computer management systems now and in the future. 

Q: What is the latest supported version of macOS on campus?
A: The latest major version of macOS supported on YSU Apple devices is macOS 26 - Tahoe. As Apple releases new versions yearly, YSU IT Customer Services will vet and test the latest major version once released in the October-December date range. Internal testing should be completed by the start of each Spring Semester and we will update this page stating it is ready for upgrade and use. 

Q: What window of time are macOS Updates set to install?
A: macOS Updates are installed in various ways. There currently is not a fully automated update process like with Microsoft Windows 11. Currently there is a 90 day deferral for major releases of macOS, meaning the update will not show up in the System Settings until after 90 days of the release. This is to better vet the major version of macOS from breaking software and integrations. 

1. User Initiated with Administrator Rights - Users with Administrative Rights on a computer are able to download and install major, minor and security updates as they are released by Apple. Generally, if a computer has an update ready, YSU ITS would like the user to install the updates and restart the computer. One important thing to note: Before installing any major or minor updates, identify any critical software used in your job position and verify it is compatible with the version of macOS you are about to install. If you are unsure, please contact the YSU Service Desk and they will assist with finding out more information. 
    
2. ITS / User requested installation - ITS will be working with our Apple users to update computers periodically that are falling behind on updates. All computers running macOS 12.2 and older will require intervention from ITS in order to update. We will schedule updates with each user when available. In the future, this process will be not as common as we will be using a more automated method in the #3 process in this list. 
    
3. ITS initiated periodic download and install - Starting on computers running macOS 12.3 or later, IT Endpoint Solutions will begin pushing macOS updates to all of these Macs as they are released by Apple and tested on YSU devices. Users will have a set number of deferrals (7) before the updates are automatically installed. 

Q: When do macOS Updates require me to restart my computer and can I delay the restart?
A: macOS major, minor and security updates all may require the computer to restart after installation. macOS Updates that were initiated by ITS on macOS 12.3 or later can be deferred up to 7 times before requiring installation and a possible computer restart. If no user is logged into the computer and it is connected to a network, it will download and install the updates, restarting the computer if required automatically. New as of Fall 2026, there is a newer process which will force updates to install after a 10 day period, keeping in line with Microsoft Windows 11 update cadence. As updates become available, they will force install the next time they meet the battery and power requirements. 

Q: What does this process look like from a user perspective?
A: Once the updates have downloaded, a logged in user will see a pop up in the system tray. 

1. Install: This will try and install the updates and restart the computer (if needed) immediately after installation.

2. Later Tonight: This will try and install the updates at a later time. 

You will only be able to delay the updates for up to 7 times before MacOS will install the updates and restart automatically. It is best to find a time before the 7 deferrals have been used to install the updates, such as overnight. If you are concerned about any pending updates and have questions, please contact the YSU Service Desk at 330-941-1595 or enter a ticket through the Technology Support Portal.