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Disable automatic installation of macOS 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 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 1 2 3 4.

This script configures following to stop macOS from installing updates automatically:

  1. /Library/Preferences/com.apple.commerce!AutoUpdateRestartRequired: This preference stops the system from automatically installing macOS updates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. By doing this, updates will only be installed when you decide, giving you a chance to check them first 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. This setting applies to OS X Yosemite through macOS High Sierra 7 9.

  2. /Library/Preferences/com.apple.commerce!AutomaticallyInstallMacOSUpdates: Changing this setting stops macOS from installing updates automatically 3 5 9 10, giving you control over when to update. If restricts the Install macOS Updates option and prevents the user from changing the option 10. While this setting enhances privacy, it's generally not advised by NIST due to potential security risks 9. This setting applies to macOS Mojave and newer versions 9.

Caution

Disabling automatic updates requires you to manually check and apply updates to stay protected against security threats 1 2 3 4.

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 of macOS 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 through macOS High Sierra (>= 10.10 && < 10.14)
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.commerce 'AutoUpdateRestartRequired' -bool false
# For Mojave and newer (>= 10.14)
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate 'AutomaticallyInstallMacOSUpdates' -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 through macOS High Sierra (>= 10.10 && < 10.14)
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.commerce 'AutoUpdateRestartRequired' -bool true
# For Mojave and newer (>= 10.14)
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate 'AutomaticallyInstallMacOSUpdates' -bool true

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