Here are the top Mac Install topics from the Mac Install Guide:

• mac install homebrew     • mac install sequoia     • mac install python

For all other guides, use the search box ⬆️ or see the content directory. Before you get started, check the macOS version and review the macOS install essentials ⬇️.

MacOS Install

Here are the steps you'll take to freshly install macOS, update macOS with minor patches, and upgrade macOS to new versions, a starting point for all the other guides on this site. In this macOS install section, you'll find detailed tutorials on how to perform a clean macOS install on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, update the newest macOS to the latest version with security patches, and upgrade macOS to major new releases with ease. Whether you're setting up a new Mac, upgrading your current macOS version, or troubleshooting issues with reinstallation, these step-by-step instructions keep your Mac up to date and ready for any next step.

  • How to Check the macOS Version Always check the macOS version before installing any new software. Here's how to check the macOS version.
  • How to Upgrade macOS for Sequoia Upgrade the macOS to the lastest major release before you install software or start any new project. MacOS Sequoia is the lastest macOS version.
  • Install macOS Beta The new version coming in September, MacOS Tahoe 26, is early in the beta cycle, so I only suggest installing the macOS beta if you have a spare and non-essential Mac. But you can read here about the new features in macOS Tahoe 26 if you're not ready to try the beta.
  • How to Update macOS How to update macOS using Terminal or System Settings. The difference between updates and upgrades. Options to disable automatic macOS updates and when it's advisable to do so. The latest on backup files.
  • How to Download macOS How to download a macOS installer for clean installs, bootable USB creation, or system recovery.
  • Set Up a Mac Like a Pro A step-by-step, recommended macOS setup for a new Mac. Learn about installing macOS and all the important options in System Settings, the Dock, and Finder.

Why you should check the macOS version

Even if your Mac is set to update automatically, you should check which macOS version you're running before installing new software. Some updates require a restart and might not be applied yet. If your Mac is more than a few years old, you may want to avoid a newer macOS version if it runs slowly on older hardware. However, for most users, staying up to date ensures better compatibility and fewer issues. Before you get started with any project, check the macOS version.

Why you might need to upgrade macOS

When your Mac was new, it came with the latest version of macOS that was available when it went into the box. By default, your Mac checks for updates, installs security patches in the background, and prompts you to install any major new version—usually in September or October. You don't need to change anything. Apple makes sure the default settings are enough to keep macOS secure and up to date for ordinary use (but you should check, right?).

After you've checked your macOS version, you might find you want to update manually. Maybe automatic updates were turned off. Maybe the Mac was set up by someone else and hasn't been maintained. Or maybe you're troubleshooting and need a known-good system version. Keeping the computer's macOS current means you're working from a clean, predictable starting point. It is your baseline when installing software or setting up development tools. Here's how to upgrade macOS for Sequoia.

macOS update or macOS upgrade?

The terms "macOS update" and "macOS upgrade" appear similar but have distinct meanings in the Mac community.

A macOS update is a minor revision—like Sequoia 15.4 to 15.5—that delivers bug fixes and security patches without changing functionality. A macOS upgrade, on the other hand, is a major version jump—like macOS 15 Sequoia to macOS Tahoe 26—with new features and sometimes a new look and feel.

For routine maintenance, enable automatic updates—they install quickly without noticeable changes. But for a macOS upgrade, which arrives each September or October, you'll need time to read about changes, allow 1-3 hours to install, and explore the new features.

More to come! Check the content directory.