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CIT deploys an app to campus-owned macOS computers called Nudge, which is designed to remind users to install critical macOS security patches in a timely manner. This article explains what a Nudge prompt looks like, how to determine if you need an update or an upgrade, and how to go about installing your required version.

Do I need an OS update or upgrade?

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

  • An update is a new minor-version release of your current major macOS version (i.e. current OS version is 1314.6.1, required OS version is 1314.6.17). Apple typically releases new updates roughly every month, though sometimes sooner if urgent security patches are needed.

  • An upgrade is installing a newer major macOS version (i.e. current OS version is 1112.76.108, required OS version is 1314.6.17). Apple releases a new major macOS version once per year, typically in September or October, but usually releases security patches for its three most recent major macOS versions.

  • In the screenshots below, the computer on the left needs an update, while the computer on the right needs an upgrade.

...

Nudge is currently supported on four macOS versions: 11 (Big Sur), 12 (Monterey), 13 (Ventura), and 14 (Sonoma), and 15 (Sequoia). However, with macOS Sonoma Sequoia having released on 26 2023, Apple is no longer providing security updates for macOS 11 12 (Big SurMonterey) and earlier, meaning that Big Sur Monterey users will now be required to install a newer supported major OS version.

...

If your computer uses...

Your required version is...

Update release date

Update deadline

macOS 11 (Big Sur12 (Monterey)
(or older)

1415.31

22 Jan  

06 Feb   

macOS 12 13 (MontereyVentura)

1213.7.31

22 Jan  

06 Feb

macOS 13 14 (VenturaSonoma)

1314.67.41

22 Jan  

06 Feb

macOS 14 15 (SonomaSequoia)

1415.31

22 Jan

06 Feb

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 macOS Monterey or 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

Image RemovedImage Added

  • For upgrades, click the Upgrade Update Now button (highlighted by the red green box)

  • For updates, click the More Info… link (highlighted by the green blue box 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.

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Page Properties
hiddentrue

Owner (area)

Server & Endpoint Systems

Reviewed by

Brian Galliford

Review Date

23 Jan