Updating macOS with Managed Software Center

For security of the computer and the University of Michigan, LSA Mac computers need to be updated to 10.15 (Catalina), 11.0 (Big Sur), or 12.0 (Monterey). Keeping operating systems and software up to date is a shared security responsibility that all faculty, researchers, staff, and students using U-M computers are responsible to comply with per the U-M Information Security SPG 601.27 and Responsibilities & Expectations for Self-Managing U-M Devices.

Please note that 32-bit applications no longer run on any supported macOS version.  Updating should only be done after confirming there are no 32-bit applications critical to your work. See the list of incompatible applications. If continued use of a 32-bit application is essential to your work, please immediately contact the LSA Technology Services support team.

Procedure

Step-by-Step Video

• Updating to macOS Monterey

Prior to installing the new OS

• Install all pending updates available in the Managed Software Center.
   Tip: Verify that you have opened the Managed Software Center and not the App Store.
• Plug in your computer to a power source.
• Connect your computer to a wired Internet network (recommended).
• Verify your hard drive has 50GB of free space available. To view the available free space on your computer, click the Apple menu (top-left) and select About this Mac. Then, click the Storage tab in the window that displays.
• Allow enough time for the update. It is recommended you set aside at least one hour for the installation to run.
• Backup your data! With any update, there is a small risk of data loss so please verify you have a backup of your data. Check our File Storage web page for a list of supported storage solutions available to you. For help with this, contact LSA Technology Services.

Install the new OS

1. Launch the Managed Software Center application. This application can be accessed in two ways:
   • Click on the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner of your screen, type in “Managed Software Center” and hit enter.
   • OR Navigate to the “Applications” folder in Finder then double click the Managed Software Center application.
   • Do not do any update through the Mac App Store on University owned machines.
2. Click on the "Updates" button on the left side off the Managed Software Center application.
3. In the Software Update window, click "More Info..." and click on the button "Upgrade Now" to install latest operating systems in order.

4. Once you select "Upgrade Now," your computer will start downloading the operating system(s) available
5. After the update is complete, that system will restart and update is done.  Note - if the computer is more than one update behind, you may have to complete steps 1-4 again.

What happens next:

• After Managed Software Center finishes, the Install macOS Monterey tool will launch.
  • If you need to restart the installation, or it does not start automatically, you can find the Install macOS Monterey item in your Applications folder and manually launch it.
• Proceed through the macOS install assistant. You will be prompted for an administrator account.
  • If you have administrator privileges on your computer, log in with your uniqname and U-M password. If you do not have administrator privileges on your computer, please call the Technology Services Service Desk for assistance.
• Your computer will restart after several minutes. Enter your password, if prompted, to continue the installation.

After the OS is installed:

• Your computer will reboot. Log in normally when prompted.
• Managed Software Center may launch shortly after you log in and may run for an extended time to upgrade applications to Monterey-compatible versions. It is important you install all updates (restart may be required).
• You may see a number of prompts to approve application notification on your Mac after logging in.
• You may have a Relocated Items shortcut on your desktop.