Choose Advanced and uncheck Download new updates when available.Open System Preferences>Software Updates.This is how to disable automatic downloads on your Mac: That’s good most of the time, but as you come to the end of your monthly data allowance or when using a Mac to work from the middle of nowhere, it’s a potential no-no. Your Mac will automatically download and install macOS updates. That’s the right thing to do, but it can devour your remaining data, which is why your should disable automatic macOS updates. Disable automatic macOS updatesįor the purposes of this piece, I’ll assume you’ve already updated your Mac to the latest version of macOS. Here are some ideas to help you achieve that. Remote workers using Macs on high-cost capped data plans or in the field using a smartphone to get online may need to reduce the data they use.