Will Mac OS Update If The Lid Is Just Closed And It's Plugged In, Automatically?
We've all been there: the dreaded Mac update notification pops up at the worst possible time. You're in the middle of a crucial project, your battery is low, and the last thing you want to do is wait for hours for the update to finish. But what if you could just close your laptop lid, plug it in, and let the update happen while you're away?
It seems like a convenient solution, right? After all, your Mac continues to run even when the lid is closed. The good news is, Mac OS won't automatically install updates just because the lid is closed and it's plugged in. This is a common misconception that often leads to frustration when you come back to your Mac and find it in the middle of an update you didn't initiate.
Let's explore the intricacies of Mac OS updates and how they interact with your power settings and lid closure.
Understanding Mac OS Updates and How They Work
Mac OS updates are vital for maintaining your system's security, stability, and performance. They deliver bug fixes, new features, and improved compatibility with various hardware and software. Apple releases updates regularly, ranging from minor patches to major releases with significant changes.
Here's how updates are typically handled on a Mac:
- Notification: When a new update is available, your Mac will notify you with a message in the top menu bar. You can choose to install it immediately or postpone the update for later.
- Download: Once you choose to update, your Mac will download the necessary files. The download size varies depending on the update's scope.
- Installation: After the download is complete, the update installation process begins. Your Mac will restart to complete the update process, and the operating system will be updated.
While this process seems straightforward, there are nuances that influence when updates are actually installed.
Mac OS Update Preferences and Settings
Mac OS provides several options to control update behavior, letting you tailor the experience to your needs and preferences.
Automatic Update Options
You can configure automatic updates to occur at specific times or when your Mac is idle. Here's how to navigate those settings:
- System Settings: Open the System Settings application (formerly called System Preferences).
- General: Navigate to the General section.
- Software Update: Look for the Software Update panel.
Here, you'll find the following options:
- Automatically keep my Mac up to date: This option is the most hands-off approach. It automatically downloads and installs updates in the background whenever your Mac is idle, plugged in, and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Download updates automatically: This option allows you to download updates in the background but requires manual confirmation before installing.
- Install updates automatically after downloading: This option downloads and installs updates automatically, similar to the first option, but it requires your Mac to be plugged in.
Additional Considerations
- Power Settings: Your Mac's power settings can also affect update behavior. If your Mac is set to "Never Sleep" or "Sleep After Never" in the Energy Saver section of System Settings, updates are more likely to install automatically during idle periods.
- Nightly Updates: Mac OS offers a "Nightly Updates" feature that automatically updates your Mac in the background during specific times. To enable this feature, open System Settings, navigate to General, and then to the Software Update section.
Why Closing the Lid Doesn't Trigger Automatic Updates
Despite the temptation to believe that a closed lid and plugged-in state would magically trigger an update, this is not how it works. Here's why:
- Power Savings: When you close the lid, your Mac goes into a low-power state to conserve battery. While still active, it prioritizes minimal resource usage. This state doesn't necessarily trigger automatic updates.
- User Control: Mac OS prioritizes user control over updates. The system wants to ensure you are aware of updates and have the opportunity to review any associated release notes or choose a time that suits you best for the update.
So, When Do Mac OS Updates Actually Install?
Here's a breakdown of typical scenarios when Mac OS updates will install automatically:
- Automatic Update Settings Enabled: If you've enabled automatic updates in your settings, your Mac will install updates when it's idle, plugged in, and connected to Wi-Fi. This usually happens during the night or during extended periods of inactivity.
- Nightly Updates: If you have the Nightly Updates feature enabled, your Mac will download and install updates during the specified time window.
- Forced Update: In some cases, Apple might push out critical security updates that require immediate installation. These updates will install even if automatic updates are disabled.
The Case for Manual Updates
While automatic updates offer convenience, there are situations where manual updates might be preferable:
- Timing: If you need your Mac to be fully operational during a particular period, it's advisable to manually initiate the update process at a time that suits you.
- Data Backup: Before installing any major update, it's always a good idea to back up your data. Manual updates allow you to take a proactive approach to ensure your data is safe.
- Compatibility: If you are using software or hardware that might be incompatible with a new update, manually initiating the update allows you to research compatibility issues and prepare your system accordingly.
Conclusion
While a closed lid and plugged-in state won't magically trigger an automatic update, understanding your Mac OS update settings is essential for a smooth and efficient user experience. By adjusting your preferences, you can control when updates happen and minimize disruption to your workflow. Remember, taking a proactive approach to updates, such as manually initiating them after a data backup, can further enhance your Mac's security and stability.
FAQs
1. How do I know if a Mac OS update is available?
You'll be notified through a message in the top menu bar when a new update is available. You can also check for updates manually by opening System Settings, navigating to General, and selecting Software Update.
2. Can I postpone a Mac OS update?
Yes, you can postpone the update for later. Simply click on the notification message in the menu bar and choose to postpone the update.
3. What if I'm in the middle of something and an update starts?
If an update starts automatically while you're working, you can typically stop it by closing the update window or clicking the "Stop" button.
4. What happens if I close my lid during an update?
Closing the lid during an update will pause the process. Once you reopen the lid, the update will resume from where it left off.
5. Is it safe to update my Mac during a power outage?
It's generally not advisable to update your Mac during a power outage. Power outages can interrupt the update process, potentially corrupting files or leaving your system in an unstable state. It's always best to update when your Mac is connected to a stable power source.