Disable OS X Updates Available notification

It's extremely annoying and I've been dealing with it since 10.8 but I can't take it anymore. Is there any way to disable the 'OS X Updates Available' pop-up notification that appears in the upper right when there's new software ready to be installed? If not, please move this to a feature request forum. Thanks.

MacBookPro4,1

Posted on Dec 19, 2012 11:01 PM

Reply
78 replies

Nov 30, 2014 4:53 PM in response to DavidJoyce

Taking a turn here: I would like to PROHIBIT a certain and very specific update, making sure that it cannot be applied, never ever, not even accidentally.


The situation: I run a Yosemite Server (OS 10.10.1 + Server 4.0.2), but Software Update (the Appstore App) tries all the time to wrench me into "upgrading" to Server 2.2.5.....


Is there a way to selectively block this specific update? Maybe through a fake receipt?


Any suggestions are highly appreciated.....

Dec 30, 2014 12:37 AM in response to alex.r.g

yes, you can. and then it comes back over... and over... and over. this is not a solution. dismissing a notice should be just that, dismissing a notice.


on top of that, today i actually got irritated enough to stop everything i was doing and restart (like it wanted me to). an hour later, the **** thing came back! i restarted again, and it's still there.


i'm about ready to throw this stupid macbook out the window.

Jun 13, 2015 12:59 PM in response to rawbertB18C1

That sounds great!
Although I am the only user of this computer and the admin, in terminal I get the "You must be root to enable/disable software update automatic check".

I am not groot.


Kidding about the "g'

My solution has been to set do not disturb to turn on 2200 - 2159.

Not only does the apple NC, SPAM my desktop with upgrading and updating notifications but recently (last four years) we have had severe problems when apple software updates ruin our professional software we rely on to deliver TV and Audio; such as Final Cut, Compressor, Quicktime, Logic (LAG city!).


This office along with quite a few major broadcasters are getting off the apple train turning to windows asap (and even quantel!!).

Sep 24, 2015 12:44 PM in response to DavidJoyce

Agreed. It is hugely annoying not to be able to dismiss the update until a time that you choose. My only solution is to open "Notifications" in System Preferences and set "Turn on Do Not Disturb" from 7:00 am to 6:00 am. This will kill all notifications. Not too good a solution if you need to be notified about incoming mail or messages, but for me it was worth getting rid of the persistent update notification. Let's face it. The red dot on the dock icon is enough. Maybe Apple will smarten up in in El Capitan.

Oct 23, 2015 1:01 PM in response to DavidJoyce

So, here we are, three years later and things haven't gotten better. No, they're worse. Fewer options, more reminders, and system updates that don't even work with their own software (e.g.: Yosemite with FCP X until they made changes to FCP X). They're more Big Brother-ish and there's less flexibility. Serious problems at Apple. Still very popular but then again so are cocaine, heroine and meth.

Nov 16, 2016 12:38 AM in response to DavidJoyce

This is indeed very annoying. Providing only an option to "remind later" without even giving an option to "don't remind me again" is forcing the user to perform an action against his/her will. The same is true for so many other things in Mac OS X (e.g. installing directly downloaded third-party apps just got a lot harder) and it's getting to the point that it's not only bothersome, but heavily annoying! Apple must stop forcing users to perform actions they want them to. Otherwise power users will step over to Linux sooner or later...

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Disable OS X Updates Available notification

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.