Mar 05, 2018 The Mac software update command we’re talking about is helpfully well named: softwareupdate. Here’s how to use it. Launch the Terminal application (which can be found in the /Applications/Utilities folder or by searching for it with Spotlight). From the Terminal, type softwareupdate -l (that’s a lowercase “L” and not the number one). Mar 31, 2017 Update Mac App Store Software Using Terminal. By default, macOS does not contain a command line utility for updating apps from the Mac App Store. However, you can install Dmitry Rodionov’s mas utility to add this functionality to your command line.
How do I install software updates from the command line tool on my Apple Mac OS X computer? How can I remotely update my Apple computer by just sshing into a system? Is there is something like apt-get command or yum command for Apple OS X?You need to use the softwareupdate command to checks for new and updated versions of your software based on information about your Apple Mac computer and current software. This command requires admin authentication for all commands i.e. you need to run it using sudo tool. In this tutorial you will learn how to install software updates from the bash command line on a Mac OS X.
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How do I find all available updates?
Open the terminal app and type the following commands. Type the following command:
OR
Sample outputs:
From the above update we get a list as follows:
softwareupdate -l
OR
softwareupdate --list
Sample outputs:
From the above update we get a list as follows:
Where,
- RAWCameraUpdate6.17-6.17 is software available to update also know as the identifier.
- 6.17 is version number
- 7455k download size
- Please note that updates that need a restart are marked with [restart].
How do I install specified update?
To install update called ‘RAWCameraUpdate6.17-6.17’, enter:
Sample outputs:
sudo softwareupdate -i RAWCameraUpdate6.17-6.17
Sample outputs:
Mac Os X Check For Updates Terminal 1
A note about dealing with update names with white spaces
Some update names may include spaces, enclose the update name using a single quote character as follows:
sudo softwareupdate -i 'OS X El Capitan Update-10.11.1'
How do I see software download and update progress?
Pass the -v option as follows:
OR
Sample outputs:
sudo softwareupdate -vi RAWCameraUpdate6.17-6.17
OR
sudo softwareupdate -v -i iTunesXPatch-12.3.1
Sample outputs:
How do I just download update but not install on my system?
Use the following syntax:
To cancel a download, enter:
sudo softwareupdate -d nameHere
sudo softwareupdate -d iTunesXPatch-12.3.1
To cancel a download, enter:
sudo softwareupdate -e
How do I apply all recommended updates?
All updates that are recommended for your system:
To install all updates that are applicable to your system, enter:
Install all but make sure you ignore ‘JavaForOSX’ updates:
To clear the list ignored updates, enter:
sudo softwareupdate -r
To install all updates that are applicable to your system, enter:
sudo softwareupdate -i -a
Install all but make sure you ignore ‘JavaForOSX’ updates:
sudo softwareupdate --ignore JavaForOSX
To clear the list ignored updates, enter:
sudo softwareupdate --reset-ignored
Turn on or off automatic background check
Automatic check is on
Automatic check is off
To see info on all options, type:
Sample outputs:
sudo softwareupdate --schedule on
Automatic check is off
sudo softwareupdate --schedule off
To see info on all options, type:
man softwareupdate
softwareupdate -h
Sample outputs:
How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later
If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
- When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.
How to get updates for earlier macOS versions
If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
- Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
- When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.
To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.
* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu > Software Update.
![For For](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126488760/996206989.gif)
How to get updates for iOS
Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.
Learn more
- Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
- You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
- Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.