---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-do-i-stop-macos-downloading-updates-automatically
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-stop-macos-downloading-updates-automatically
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "macOS updates and installers"
question: "How do I stop my Mac downloading macOS updates automatically?"
alt_questions:
  - "turn off automatic updates mac"
  - "stop update downloads mac"
  - "software update automatic settings"
  - "macos downloads update without asking"
  - "disable auto download updates mac"
  - "automatic updates options macos"
short_answer: "In System Settings → General → Software Update, click the info button next to Automatic updates and turn off Download new updates when available."
tags: ["software update", "settings", "downloads"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-do-macos-updates-download-to", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/why-did-a-macos-update-fail-for-lack-of-space"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I stop my Mac downloading macOS updates automatically?

Open **System Settings → General → Software Update** and click the info button next to **Automatic updates**. Turn off **Download new updates when available** (and the install options if you prefer to install by hand).

Your Mac then only downloads an update when you choose to install it, so a large download can't arrive while you're short of space. Keep installing security updates regularly, though — turning off the automatic download just puts you in charge of the timing.