---
title: How to update the OS of a Mac mini
description: This page explains how to update the operating system of a Scaleway Mac mini.
tags: apple-silicon connection mac-mini mac-mini-m1
dates:
  validation: 2025-08-05
  posted: 2021-05-26
---
import Requirements from '@macros/iam/requirements.mdx'


This guide provides instructions on updating the operating system of a Scaleway Mac mini.

<Requirements />

- A Scaleway account logged into the [console](https://console.scaleway.com)
- [Owner](/iam/concepts/#owner) status or [IAM permissions](/iam/concepts/#permission) allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
- An [SSH key](/organizations-and-projects/how-to/create-ssh-key/)
- A [Mac mini](/apple-silicon/how-to/create-mac-mini/)

## Recommended method: macOS provided by Scaleway

The recommended method to update the macOS is to reinstall your Mac mini with an OS image provided by Scaleway:
1. Click **Apple silicon** in the **Bare Metal** section of the side menu. A list of your Mac minis displays.
2. Click the Mac mini you want to reinstall. Your Mac mini **Overview** displays.
3. Scroll down to the **Reinstall Mac mini** section, and click **Reinstall**.
4. Type **REINSTALL** to confirm the installation of your Mac mini and click **Reinstall Mac mini** to validate.
    <Message type="important">
      - When reinstalling your Mac mini, all the data on the disk is deleted, and all configurations are reset to the default values.
      - **Do not forget to backup your data before reinstalling the operating system to avoid any data loss.**
      - Your Mac mini **will be unavailable** during the reinstallation and becomes available again once the reinstallation has been completed.
    </Message>

## Manually upgrading macOS

<Message type="important">
    Manually modifying your Mac mini's OS may create incompatibilities with the preconfigured settings. Proceed only if you are capable of resolving potential configuration issues.
</Message>

### Upgrading the OS via remote desktop

1. Log into your Mac mini using a [remote desktop client](/apple-silicon/how-to/access-remote-desktop-mac-mini/)
2. Go to **System settings > General > Software update**
3. Launch the installation of the update.
    <Message type="tip">
      If you want to install a beta version:

      1. Sign up to the [Apple Beta Software Program](https://beta.apple.com/) with your Apple ID.
      2. Read through Apple's instructions carefully, and then using the link in the **Get Started** section, select enroll your Mac.
      3. Go back to **System settings > General > Software** update and click the Info button next to **Beta updates** to enable beta versions updates.
    </Message>

    <Message type="important">
      Your Mac mini may restart during the upgrade process and be unavailable while the software update is installed. Once the update is successfully completed, it will become available again.
    </Message>

### Upgrading the OS using SSH

To manually update the operating system using the `softwareupdate` tool, follow these steps:

1. List all available updates:
    ```bash
    softwareupdate --list
    ```
2. Install all available updates:
    ```bash
    sudo softwareupdate --install
    ```
    <Message type="tip">
        If you want to upgrade selected packages only, use the following command:
        ```bash
        softwareupdate --install package-name
        ```
    </Message>

    <Message type="important">
      Your Mac mini may restart during the upgrade process and be unavailable while the software update is installed. Once the update is successfully completed, it will become available again.
    </Message>

<Message type="note">
  Mac mini and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used by Apple under license. Scaleway is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
</Message>