I want to stop macOS asking to update Catalina 10.15.7 to whatever is behind it. I don’t want to update to a newer or later macOS version. The update doesn’t show what update, perhaps security, is available so no update would be the best option. I run software that is dedicated to 10.15.x and it will be painstaking to rebuild it if I click the update accidentally. Is there a way to take away the reoccurring message.
Earlier Mac models
First, understand that there are updates and then there are upgrades. They are not the same.
If your Mac is prompting you to update Catalina it is probably for the recently issued Catalina 10.15.8 update. You can check in System Preferences > Software Update to see what it is prompting you to do. Just be careful when you look at Software Update to make sure you select only the 15.7.8 update, not an upgrade to Big Sur, Monterey or later.
If you accidentally agree to upgrade to a later version of macOS, you can always just exit the installer after it downloads and begins to run. Once you exit, the upgrade process stops.
AFAIK there is no way to get rid of the reoccurring message.
First, understand that there are updates and then there are upgrades. They are not the same.
If your Mac is prompting you to update Catalina it is probably for the recently issued Catalina 10.15.8 update. You can check in System Preferences > Software Update to see what it is prompting you to do. Just be careful when you look at Software Update to make sure you select only the 15.7.8 update, not an upgrade to Big Sur, Monterey or later.
If you accidentally agree to upgrade to a later version of macOS, you can always just exit the installer after it downloads and begins to run. Once you exit, the upgrade process stops.
AFAIK there is no way to get rid of the reoccurring message.
Servant of Cats wrote:
I believe that the Catalina 10.5.8 update provides a new security certificate so that iMessages and FaceTime do not stop working after January of next year.
Yes, it extends the security certificate for iMessage, FaceTime, device activation and other unnamed processes in macOS.
When aborting the update/upgrade there will be a big file running down the system. They information on what will be installed could be displayed brighter on screen. What’s the difference update or upgrade.
HQ050 wrote:
When aborting the update/upgrade there will be a big file running down the system.
No, there isn't. When you quit the installer, it just stops running. Nothing in the installer continues running or runs down the system. The downloaded installer file will be left in the /Applications folder on the chance the user may want to run it later but it can easily be moved to the Trash if it's not wanted.
What’s the difference update or upgrade.
Update = incremental updates to a specific version of macOS. For example for macOS Sequoia, going from 15.0 to 15.1 or 15.4 or 15.7.4. Updates are also called "point releases" because the numbering only changes to the right of the decimal point.
Upgrade = installing a new version of macOS. For example, moving from Sonoma (maOS 14) to Sequoia (macOS 15) or Tahoe (macOS 26). The integer part of the number changes.
I believe that the Catalina 10.5.8 update provides a new security certificate so that iMessages and FaceTime do not stop working after January of next year.
Stop OS Catalina 10.15.7 ask - update?
