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Disable automatic installation for system data files and security updates

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on macOS.

These changes use Mac system commands to update your settings.

This script stops automatic installations of critical updates 1, including security 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 and system data file 1 8 updates.

It improves privacy by providing:

  • Control Over Update Timing: Users can review updates before installation to ensure they meet privacy standards and do not introduce unwanted telemetry or changes.
  • Reduced External Communications: Reduces how often it connects to update servers, potentially protection user information.

The script configures the /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate!CriticalUpdateInstall setting 1 4 5 7 8. This action prevents automatic downloads and installations of updates 1. It also prevents users from changing the Install system data files and security updates option manually 1. This script is compatible with OS X Yosemite and later versions 6 8.

The revert script triggers softwareupdate --background-critical to install any pending critical updates directly 2 9.

Caution

Only disable automatic updates if you're committed to manually installing them quickly to maintain your computer's security 4 5 8. It's important to install updates soon to protect your computer. 4 5 8.

This script disables:

  • Definition updates for XProtect and Gatekeeper that keep your computer safe from new threats 5.
  • Rapid Security Response 10 11. Rapid Security Responses are software releases providing important security improvements between standard updates 12.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Not Advised

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

Implementation Details

  • Language: bash

  • Required Privileges: Administrative (sudo) access

  • Compatibility: macOS only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable automatic updates category. 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... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

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

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

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

Open privacy.sexy

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 script name: Disable automatic installation for system data files and security updates.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Terminal app

  2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes
# For OS X Yosemite and newer (>= 10.10)
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate 'CriticalUpdateInstall' -bool false
  1. Paste the code into terminal.
  2. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
# For OS X Yosemite and newer (>= 10.10)
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate 'CriticalUpdateInstall' -bool true
# Trigger background check with normal scan (critical updates only)
sudo softwareupdate --background-critical

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