Mac OS update

[poppi]

I got a message that there is an update available to the Mac OS from 14.5 to 14.6. All my settings say to automatically update but whether I click update tonight or "restart" it asks for my password. I enter what I am certain is the correct Password but it won't accept it nor does it offer a "forgot password" option. Help please

Thank you
poppi

 

[ferrarr]

Did you read the prompt carefully? Is it asking for the Mac password or your Apple ID password?

 

[Jimmysb]

Did you read the prompt carefully? Is it asking for the Mac password or your Apple ID password?

Agreed, it is normally the device password, not the Apple ID password.

 

[poppi]

I tried both passwords but neither worked. How do I change my Mac password? Second questions my settings are set to automatically update O/S updates. Why is that not happening automatically?

poppi

 

[MacInWin]

How do I change my Mac password?

You have to have the old password to change it, so if you don't know the correct password, there isn't much you can do, really. The password it is asking for is probably an ADMIN password, which could be your own login password if you are an Admin on your machine. (Most users are as that is the default, but some folks create their account as NOT an admin so that they cannot accidentlally do something they might regret later.)

Do you have automatic login enabled? That is, do you have to enter a password when you power the machine up, or does it just roll to the desktop?

 

[poppi]

That worked and the OS updated to 14.6. That leaves one question why do I need to do it manually when the setting is for automatic?

To answer your other question Jake I do NOT have automatic login and do require a password (the one I just used to upgrade). I wanted to do automatic when I set up this mew iMac but apple support talked me out of it. What do you think?

Thanks to all for your help. I really appreciateb it

poppi

 

[Rod]

Poppi, just about your original question. Below is how I have my Update Settings;



Notice Automatic Updates has "Security Responses" at the right. When i click on the "i" for information the overlay panel appears. In that you can see "Check for updates" and Download new updates when possible" are On. I do not have Install macOS Updates or application updates On.

Is this how your settings are?

 

[IWT]

That worked and the OS updated to 14.6.

Minor point, but the latest update is to 14.6.1

And regarding updates: "Automatic" updates do not apply to security and such. You have to agree to the update which requires your Admin PW.

It is possible to agree to an update being done over night time, but even then you have to enter your Admin PW (exactly as you have to enter your passcode on an iDevice).

Ian

 

[Rod]

Addit to Post #7. As Ian says, having my settings as pictured does not automatically either download or install a system update. I'm not sure if ticking "Instal macOS updates" would make any difference. I have the feeling that a "Security Response" would still be required but I've never tried it because I wouldn't want to sit down at my MacBook only to find it was engaged in a lengthly update.
I prefer to pick a time that's convenient for installs and perform a backup first.

 

[MacInWin]

To answer your other question Jake I do NOT have automatic login and do require a password (the one I just used to upgrade). I wanted to do automatic when I set up this mew iMac but apple support talked me out of it. What do you think?

I am personally opposed to automatic login for any machine on a security basis. If it is stolen, all the thief needs to do is to power it on and gain full access. A login will at least slow them down.

I have one machine that automatically logs in on boot. It is a hub for a home automation system that needs to be running to execute the automations. It's on a UPS, but I have it set to reboot if the power goes out and then returns later and it logs in to resume the automation functions. It's out of sight and has no keyboard/monitor (That is called "headless.") so it's likely to be missed unless they know where to look for it. And it has nothing important on it other than the automation, which can only run inside my own home network. Nothing personal, no accounts, no other passwords, just the automation.

So, my recommendation is NOT to use auto login.

 

[IWT]

Just for info: there are ways to reset your Admin PW (see below) but one of the disadvantages of doing this is that an entirely new Keychain is created and the old one (and all your passwords etc) are lost forever.

If you’ve forgotten your Mac login password – Apple Support (UK)

If you can’t log in to your Mac user account, try these solutions.

support.apple.com

How to Reset Your Admin Password on a Mac : HelloTech How

Learn how to reset your admin password on a Mac using recovery mode, your Apple ID, or another admin account.

www.hellotech.com

Ian

 

[poppi]

I am personally opposed to automatic login for any machine on a security basis. If it is stolen, all the thief needs to do is to power it on and gain full access. A login will at least slow them down.

I have one machine that automatically logs in on boot. It is a hub for a home automation system that needs to be running to execute the automations. It's on a UPS, but I have it set to reboot if the power goes out and then returns later and it logs in to resume the automation functions. It's out of sight and has no keyboard/monitor (That is called "headless.") so it's likely to be missed unless they know where to look for it. And it has nothing important on it other than the automation, which can only run inside my own home network. Nothing personal, no accounts, no other passwords, just the automation.

So, my recommendation is NOT to use auto login.

Thank you Jake

I appreciate your advice and will follow it now that I have figured out what my password is.

poppi