Opt Out of macOS Sequoia Pre-Release Updates

To opt out of macOS pre-release updates (beta and Release Candidate builds), open System Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select “Off.” This stops your Mac from receiving beta, developer, or public pre-release builds and returns it to stable, publicly released macOS updates only.

What Are Pre-Release Updates?

Pre-release updates are versions of macOS that Apple distributes before the final, stable release. They come in two main flavors:

• Developer Beta – intended for registered Apple developers to test their apps against upcoming APIs and frameworks.
• Public Beta – available to anyone who signs up through Apple’s Beta Software Program, designed for early adopters to test features and provide feedback.

Apple also occasionally releases Release Candidate (RC) builds, which are essentially the final version that will be shipped to the public, but still technically pre-release until the official rollout. All of these appear in the Software Update pane with a note like “Beta” or “RC” next to the version number.

Why You Might Want to Opt Out

Pre-release software is not finished. It can contain bugs that affect everyday use, such as:

• Apps crashing or not opening
• Battery drain on laptops
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues
• Peripheral devices (printers, external drives) not working
• Data corruption in rare cases

If you installed a beta to try new features but now rely on your Mac for work or school, you should opt out to avoid these problems. Also, if you’re not interested in testing, you should never have pre-release updates enabled in the first place – but if you did, this guide shows you how to turn them off.

How to Opt Out (Step-by-Step)

The exact steps depend on your macOS version. Here’s how to do it on macOS Sequoia (14) and later, as well as older versions.

macOS Sequoia (14) and Later

1. Open System Settings (Apple menu > System Settings).
2. Click General in the sidebar.
3. Click Software Update.
4. Click the i (info) button next to “Beta updates.”
5. Select Off from the dropdown menu.
6. Click Done.

macOS Ventura (13) and Monterey (12)

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on Monterey).
2. Go to General > Software Update.
3. Click the i next to “Beta updates” (Ventura) or click Details next to “Beta updates” (Monterey).
4. Choose Off.

After you opt out, your Mac will no longer receive pre-release builds. However, if you’re currently running a beta version, you won’t automatically get the stable version until the next major macOS release. To go back to a stable release immediately, you may need to erase your Mac and reinstall macOS (see below).

What Happens After You Opt Out?

Once you turn off beta updates, your Mac will only see stable releases. If you’re already on a beta, you’ll continue running that beta until you either:

• Wait for the next stable release (which will appear as an update from your beta version to the final version).
• Erase your Mac and reinstall the latest stable macOS from scratch.

If you want to go back to a stable version immediately, the only reliable way is to back up your data, erase the startup disk, and reinstall macOS via Recovery Mode. This is a drastic step, so make sure you have a full Time Machine backup or other backup before proceeding.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“I opted out but I still see beta updates.” This can happen if you have multiple Macs signed into the same Apple ID, or if the setting didn’t save. Double-check the Beta Updates dropdown is set to Off. If it still shows beta, restart your Mac and try again.

“I never opted in, but I’m getting beta updates.” This is rare but possible if you installed a beta profile manually (in older macOS versions) or if you restored from a backup that had the beta profile. Check for a configuration profile in System Settings > General > Profiles (or System Preferences > Profiles). If you see a beta profile, remove it.

“Opting out will downgrade my Mac automatically.” No. Opting out only stops future beta updates. It does not downgrade your current system. You’ll stay on the beta until you upgrade to the stable release or erase and reinstall.

“I can’t find the Beta Updates option.” The option only appears if you have previously enrolled in the beta program, or if your Mac is capable of running the beta. If you don’t see it, you’re not enrolled, so no action is needed.

How to Reinstall Stable macOS (If You Want to Downgrade)

If you decide you want to leave the beta immediately, here’s the general process. Note that this erases your Mac, so back up first.

1. Back up your important files to an external drive or iCloud.
2. Restart your Mac and hold Command (⌘) + R to enter Recovery Mode.
3. In Recovery, open Disk Utility and erase your startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”). Use APFS format.
4. Quit Disk Utility and choose Reinstall macOS.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions. Your Mac will install the latest stable version compatible with your model.
6. After installation, restore your data from backup.

This process will give you a clean, stable macOS without any beta remnants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data if I opt out of beta updates?

No. Opting out simply stops future beta updates. Your files, apps, and settings remain intact. If you later choose to downgrade by erasing your Mac, you will lose data unless you back up first.

Can I re-enroll in the beta program later?

Yes. You can re-enroll at any time by going to System Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and selecting a beta channel (Developer Beta or Public Beta). You may need to sign in with your Apple ID and agree to the terms again.

Why don’t I see the Beta Updates option at all?

The option only appears if your Mac is enrolled in a beta program. If you never enrolled, or if your Apple ID isn’t part of the program, the option is hidden. That’s normal.

What’s the difference between opting out and deleting the beta profile?

On newer macOS versions, the Beta Updates setting is managed by Apple’s software update system. On older versions (Catalina and earlier), you had to install a configuration profile. Deleting that profile is equivalent to opting out. On modern macOS, the setting is enough.

If I stay on the beta, will I eventually get the stable version automatically?

Yes. When the final version of macOS is released, it will appear as an update in Software Update. You can install it from the beta. However, you’ll still be on the beta until you do that update.

Does opting out affect my Apple ID or developer account?

No. Opting out only affects the software update channel on that Mac. Your Apple ID, developer membership, and other services remain unaffected.

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