Running macOS Software Updates or macOS Upgrades
This document contains information for running macOS operating system and application updates.
1. How to start macOS updates and upgrades.
2. Running a macOS upgrade from a downloaded copy or the App Store
3. Running App Store application updates
4. 3rd party application updates.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is always a good idea to have a backup of your computer, especially prior to any major upgrades.
Depending on the version of macOS, you may run operating system, firmware and application software updates..
1. How to start macOS updates and upgrades.
you may run updates by selecting the Apple 
logo on the top left side of the Apple menu. About This Mac--> and Software Update.
Follow the prompts to download and apply macOS updates. If a newer version of macOS is available, you may also upgrade with this method. Please note that you will be asked to restart your computer.
2. Running a macOS upgrade from a pre-downloaded copy or the App Store.
In many cases, a newer version of macOS has already downloaded into the Applications folder. It will be visible as "Install macOS <Version Name>." You may just click on that image to launch the installer.
If you don't see a copy of a newer version of macOS, you may also go to the App Store. The latest version available for your mac will be listed. You can download a copy, which will download to your Applications. Once downloaded, the installer will open automatically. Follow the onscreen instructions for upgrading macOS.
3. App Store application updates for your Mac.
Launch the App Store, typically located on your Dock. Click Updates, then either click on Update All or selectively click on each Update buttons to download and auto install any updates. Updates installed in the last 30 days also appear below the available updates list.
Please note that updates for Safari and mac firmware may not be individually listed, but included within a major update, or part of the macOS updates. Ensure that you run all available security updates to keep your mac secure and running optimally.
3. Running updates on 3rd Party Applications.
The first two update options, (1) macOS updates and (2) updates for applications downloaded through the App Store have their own update mechanism. (3) In addition, some 3rd party desktop applications have their own update mechanisms which often run in the background with update notification/billboards when updates are available for the individual application. Following are two examples.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office updates notifications use macOS notifications. Updates can also be manually initiated from a Microsoft application, via Help-->Check for Updates, or searching for Microsoft AutoUpdate from the Spotlight search field.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Notifications can be setup from System Settings-->Notifications, and Updates can be manually run from within the Adobe Creative Cloud base application.
