How to download and install macOS 13 Ventura on your Mac

macOS 13 Ventura
(Image credit: iMore)

Apple's latest and greatest software update for Mac -- macOS Ventura (that's macOS 13, of course) -- is out now. 

Our macOS Ventura review calls the software "Familiar with some odd design choices and one big unfinished feature." If you want to wait for it to automatically update, make sure your Mac is connected to power and be patient. If you just can't wait for all of the new features, here's how to update to the latest macOS version.

Supported computers

The macOS 13 Ventura update can be installed on all the best Macs, including the following: 

  • iMac (2017 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 and later)
  • MacBook (2017 and later)
  • MacBook Air (2018 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (2017 and later)
  • Mac mini (2018 and later)
  • Mac Pro (2019 and later)
  • Mac Studio (2022)

What's new in macOS?

Apple has just released the first version of macOS 13 Ventura for the public. With macOS 13 Ventura, several new and updated features are worth considering. These include, but certainly aren't limited to, Stage Manager, Clock and Weather Apps, new uses for Continuity Camera, and much more. 

How to download and install macOS updates

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac's screen.
  2. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.

  1. Click Software Update.
  2. Click Update Now next to the macOS update.
    • Your Mac will need to restart after the download has been installed, so make sure you save your progress for any program you are currently working in.

How to turn on automatic updates

You don't have to manually update macOS every time a new one launches. You can turn on automatic updates and it will download in the background.

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac's screen.
  2. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.

  1. Click Software Update.
  2. Tick the box for Automatically keep my Mac up to date.
Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.

Latest in Apple Macos
macOS Sequoia
Here's how to use Window Tiling on macOS Sequoia
Stage Manager running Safari on a MacBook Air
Safari Technology Preview 200 launches with these improvements
Turn off click to reveal desktop macOS Sonoma
This Mac trick lets you quickly access your desktop from anywhere — become a Mac window ninja by mastering this feature
macOS Sequoia
How to use iPhone Mirroring on macOS Sequoia
Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels
CrowdStrike confirms Macs are 'not impacted' by a global outage impacting airlines, banks, and more — and a fix is on the way
macOS Sequoia
I've been using iPhone Mirroring on macOS Sequoia for 24 hours — it's one of the best features we've seen on Mac in a long time
Latest in How-to
iPhone 16 Event Invite It's Glowtime
How to watch the iPhone 16 Glowtime reveal event - tune in for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max
macOS Sequoia
Here's how to use Window Tiling on macOS Sequoia
iPhone 14 with Messages app on home screen
Here's how to add some flair to your messages with new iOS 18 text effects
watchOS 11
How to pause activity streaks in watchOS 11
Apple Intelligence Siri on iPhone 15 Pro Max
How to type to Siri on iOS 18 and why it's made me use it more
Control Center iOS 18
Control Center has been supercharged in iOS 18 — here’s how to get the most from it