MacOS Monterey 12.6.6 & MacOS Big Sur 11.7.7 Updates Released
Apple has released MacOS Monterey 12.6.6 and MacOS Big Sur 11.7.7 for Mac users who are not running the Ventura operating system. Safari 16.5 is also available for these macOS versions.
The updates to macOS Monterey and Big Sur arrive alongside updates to macOS Ventura 13.4, iOS 16.5, and iPadOS 16.5.
It is possible to install updates for macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey without installing macOS Ventura, though the process to update is slightly different because of the aggressively placed Ventura banner. If you’re unfamiliar, here’s how it works:
How to Download & Install macOS Monterey 12.6.6 or macOS Big Sur 11.7.7 Update
It’s always a good idea to back up Mac with Time Machine before installing software updates.
- Pull down the Apple menu, then select “System Preferences”
- Go to “Software Update”
- Click the tiny “More Info…” text under the small text for “Other updates available” and below the macOS Ventura promotion
- Make sure that macOS Monterey 12.6.6 or macOS Big Sur 11.7.7 is selected, along with Safari 16.5, and choose to update and install
MacOS will download and install the update, restarting the Mac to complete installation.
MacOS Monterey 12.6.6 & MacOS Big Sur 11.7.7 Full Installers
If you’d prefer to have the full complete installers for these versions of MacOS, here are direct download links from Apple:
macOS Monterey 12.6.6 Release Notes and macOS Big Sur 11.7.7 Release Notes
Release notes accompanying the software updates are as follows:
macOS Monterey 12.6.6 — Restart Required
This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Safari 16.5 Release Notes
Release notes for the Safari update are brief:
Safari
Safari 16.5 includes security improvements and bug fixes.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Many Mac users continue to run prior system software versions, whether due to personal preference, stability, compatibility for apps/devices, requirements for a particular setup or work environment, amongst other reasons. Apple typically will continue to release security updates for the two prior major system software releases, thus with Apple’s primary macOS version now being Ventura, the prior generations of Monterey and Big Sur continue to receive updates. The successor to MacOS Ventura, MacOS 14, will debut at WWDC in June.
Separately, you will also find software updates for other Apple devices available, including iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5, macOS Ventura 13.4, HomePodOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
The two Updates appear as Install-Assistant, while the earlier Names like “macOS Monterey Install” or macOS BigSur Instal is not present. Your 2 Links show as
MacOS Monterey 12.6.6
MacOS Big Sur 11.7.7
These versions are only available as so-called InstallAssistant? And not in the App Store with their normal names? Are they the fully legitimate same kind – which it seems – due to size?
Regards, Peter