Environment
MiWorkspace macOS 15
Issue
How to update macOS 15.
Resolution
Note that these instructions are for Macs running macOS 15. See instructions for updating Macs running macOS 14.
If you do not see the option to upgrade to macOS 26 Tahoe, your device is not able to upgrade past the current operating system.
Check your operating system version.
There are two types of operating system updates for MiWorkspace Macs:
- Required security updates: macOS security updates released directly from Apple that will have a required deadline by which time the updates need to be installed to your Mac.
- Optional operating system upgrades: Optional macOS upgrades are occasionally available when a new Mac Operating System is released. Depending on your device’s hardware specs and which version of macOS you are currently running, you may be able to install the optional macOS upgrade via the Software Update menu in System SettingsPreferences. Upgrades to a new Mac Operating System are optional at the time of their release, and do not adhere to a timeline.
Required OS Update Notifications in macOS 15
- Your Mac will alert you approximately once per day with a notification about the update including the installation deadline. As the deadline approaches, the notification frequency will increase.
- You can click Options and select Install or Install Tonight. Or, you can close the notification and install the update at any time prior to the deadline via the Software Update menu in System Settings.
- At the deadline, you will automatically be logged out and the upgrade will start immediately. Note that any unsaved work may be lost if you wait until the deadline.
- If your Mac is sleeping or powered off when the deadline is reached, you will have a short period of time before the update will automatically be installed.
Prior to installing the OS updates
- Plug in your computer to a power source.
- Ensure your computer is connected to an internet network (wired connection recommended).
Install Required macOS Updates
When your Mac prompts you to install a macOS update:
- Select System Settings from the Apple menu, and then click General > Software Update.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the update.
What Happens Next
- You may be prompted for an administrator account.
- If you have administrator privileges on your computer, log in with your UMICH name and password. If you do not have administrator privileges on your MiWorkspace computer, please call the ITS Service Center for assistance.
- Your computer will restart after several minutes. Enter your password, if prompted, to continue the installation.
Prior to installing the optional macOS Upgrade
- Plug in your computer to a power source.
- Connect your computer to an internet network (wired connection recommended).
- Install all pending software updates available in the Managed Software Center.
- Make sure 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.
- Set aside at least an hour for the installation to run. Your computer will be unavailable while you upgrade to the new operating system.
Install Optional macOS Upgrades
You may choose to update your Mac to the newest available operating system at any time.
- Select System Settings from the Apple menu.
- Click General and then Software Update. The system will check for available updates. If an update is available, continue with the next step.
- Click Upgrade Now to launch the upgrade. A restart will be necessary.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade..
- Your computer will restart after several minutes. Enter your password, if prompted, to continue the installation.
What Happens Next
- You may be prompted for an administrator account.
- If you have administrator privileges on your computer, log in with your UMICH name and password. If you do not have administrator privileges on your MiWorkspace computer, please call the ITS Service Center for assistance.
- Your computer will restart after several minutes. Enter your password, if prompted, to continue the installation.
After installing a new OS
- 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 versions compatible with the new macOS. It is important you install all updates (restart may be required).
- You may see a number of prompts to approve application notifications on your Mac after logging in.
- You may have a Relocated Items shortcut on your desktop.
- The Block M menu bar icon for the MiWorkspace Helper Tool may appear either solid black or white to accommodate the new color theme.
Relocated Items
You may or may not see a Relocated Items folder on your desktop after a macOS upgrade.
When you upgrade your Mac to a newer version of macOS, all your files and data are carefully reviewed to ensure they’re valid and authorized, undamaged, and in the correct locations. If some of your files couldn’t be moved to their new locations, they are placed in a Relocated Items folder. You can find the Relocated Items folder in the Shared folder within the User folder. The PDF document in the Relocated Items folder explains what to do about files placed in this folder.
Additional Information
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.