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Disable automatic updates

Overview​

About this category

This category contains privacy scripts for macOS.

These changes use Mac system commands to update your settings.

This category contains scripts to disable automatic operating system updates.

Disabling automatic updates gives users full control over when and which updates are applied to their system. It improves privacy by preventing unwanted data collection, new vulnerabilities and unapproved changes to system settings.

Caution

Disabling automatic updates can leave your system vulnerable to unpatched exploits. Manually check and apply updates to stay protected.

Not Advised

This category should only be used by advanced users. None of its scripts are recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Apply now​

These scripts are written using Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Choose one of two ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

It allows selectively choose parts of this action to conduct. You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the category name: Disable automatic updates.
  3. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Consider restarting your computer for all changes to take affect.

Reversible

This action is completely reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

All​

This script includes Standard, Strict recommendation levels along with unrecommended scripts.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. Some of these changes are NOT recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Download all scripts:

Download script

Restore these changes if you decide to revert them by downloading the restore script:

Download restore script

Explore further​

This category includes total of 7 scripts but no subcategories.

Explore its 7 scripts:

Disable automatic installation of macOS updates

This script stops macOS from automatically installing updates. This script improves privacy by reducing unwanted data collection and ensuring updates don't change settings or data without your approval. The Center for Internet Security (CIS) advises against automatic updates in scenarios where changes require thorough testing and approval processes to avoid operational disruptions. This script configures following to stop macOS from installing updates automatically: 1. `/Library/Preferences/com....

Disable automatic app updates from the App Store

This script disables automatic app updates from the App Store. It prevents automatic installation of application updates as soon as they become available from Apple. Thus, applications are updated only when you choose to do so. Disabling automatic updates prevents unexpected app behavior or settings changes. It helps you to maintain your current app configurations and privacy settings. It also protects against potential zero-day vulnerabilities in your apps. This gives you the ability to choose ...

Disable automatic installation for system data files and security updates

This script stops automatic installations of critical updates, including security and system data file updates. It improves privacy by providing: Users can review updates before installation to ensure they meet privacy standards and do not introduce unwanted telemetry or changes. Reduces how often it connects to update servers, potentially protection user information. Control Over Update Timing: • Reduced External Communications: The script configures the `/Library/Preferences/com.apple....

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Privacy over security category. This category configures macOS using 14 scripts. These scripts are organized in 5 categories. The category includes 1 subscripts and 3 subcategories that include more scripts and categories. Read more on category page ▶

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