If you're a beta user of a macOS beta and want to install the public build over the beta seed you've been running, you can easily update with just a few steps.
Note: Always make sure you have a backup of your data before attempting any upgrades, for safety's sake.
How to opt-out of the beta program
If you've been using the public beta of macOS, you should be able to move to the public release when it launches, just like a regular software update. You'll still receive beta updates for future releases, however. If you want to remain on the public release schedule, or are using the developer beta and want to move to the public release, the first thing you'll need to is opt-out of receiving macOS beta updates.
Note that, if you're on the developer beta, you'll likely want to opt-out of beta updates before downloading and installing the Golden Master, or GM, version that Apple will release right before the public launch of the operating system. It is, usually, the exact same build of macOS that Apple launches to the public, so when your Mac goes to check for an update, it won't find one available if you've already installed the GM.
How to opt out of the macOS beta program
How to install the public build of macOS over a beta version
Once you've opted out of the beta program, it's a simple matter of downloading and installing the new version of macOS.
- Open System Preferences from your Dock or Applications folder.
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Click Software Update. Your Mac will now check for a software update.
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Click Upgrade Now.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions about installing the public version of macOS over the beta seed? Put them in the comments and we'll help you out.
Updated July 2019: Updated for macOS Mojave and macOS Catalina.
