Do I need an OS update or upgrade?

More importantly, what’s the difference between those two terms?

...

Steps to reach required OS version

1. When Nudge prompts you to install a macOS security patch, you will see a window similar to the screenshots above. Click the blue Update Device button.

2. You will be taken to System Settings (or System Preferences if you run an older macOS version), where the required OS version will need to be downloaded for install.

3. When you are ready to install the required OS version, click the Update Now or Upgrade Now button to begin.

...

Only update available	Update and upgrade available
Click the Update Now button to begin installation	For upgrades, click the Upgrade Now button (highlighted by the red box) For updates, click the More Info… link (highlighted by the green box), then follow on-screen instructions to install the update

Notes

• Customers with Macs equipped with Apple Silicon may be prompted to enter an administrator password to install the update; please see Using the Privileges app to gain temporary administrative rights on your Apple computer to learn how to gain administrator rights, if needed

• Updates typically take 20 minutes to download (depending on network speed) and another 20-30 minutes to install. Please budget your time accordingly.

• As a CIT-defined deadline to install a required macOS version approaches, Nudge will become increasingly persistent until the installation occurs.

• To minimize disruption during lectures, presentations, and meetings, Nudge will not interrupt active Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Keynote windows.

...