How to Stop Your Mac from Automatically Updating to macOS Sonoma

Recently, a good number of users have complained that their Macs automatically upgraded from macOS Ventura/Monterey to macOS Sonoma. Interestingly, the automatic upgrade takes place even when the “Auto-updates” feature is disabled in the System Settings app. As per reports, the software update is triggered when users try to dismiss a notification alerting them that the latest macOS update is available. While Apple is yet to find a way to fix this weird issue, there is a workaround that can let you stop your Mac from automatically updating to macOS Sonoma. Read on to…

Stop Your Mac from Automatically Updating to macOS Sonoma

So, how do you prevent your Mac from automatically upgrading to macOS 14 Sonoma? Courtesy of a Terminal command, it has become possible to keep the malicious software update alert away. For folks who are afraid of using Terminal commands due to perceived complexity, this specific command is pretty easy to use and works as expected. Hence, you can implement it without breaking any sweat.

As to why this issue has cropped up in the very first place, it appears to be the byproduct of a software bug. It seems that the “X” button designed to let users dismiss notifications is acting in the opposite direction, which is precisely what causing the chaos.

1. To get started, open the Terminal app on your Mac.

To do so, head over to the Applications -> Utilities folder in the Finder app on your Mac. Alternatively, you can press the CMD+Spacebar keys to bring up the Spotlight search -> enter Terminal and launch it.

2. Now, it will launch a Terminal window with a command prompt.

3. Next, you need to paste the below-given command.

defaults write com.apple.SoftwareUpdate MajorOSUserNotificationDate -date "2025-02-07 23:22:47 +0000"

4. Finally, hit Enter and you are good to go!

From now onwards, you will no longer get the software update alerts until the date has rolled out.

Though it’s great to be on the bleeding edge of technology and take the latest and greatest features for a spin, the latest update, on some occasions, tends to trigger many chronic issues including sluggishness, overheating, and unexpected battery drain on aging Macs. Therefore, it’s apt to update the software after a thorough review.

Nevertheless, I belong to the school of thought that recommends people to always stay on top of the latest updates as they not only enhance the security of your data but also come bundled with a number of bug fixes as well as performance improvements. With that said, feel free to let me know which side of the fence you belong to.

Coming back to this issue, make use of the handy workaround to prevent your Mac from being automatically updated to macOS Sonoma until Apple comes with a permanent fix.