How do I Update Drivers on my Mac?
A device driver is a piece of software code that enables a computer’s operating system to communicate with peripherals connected to the computer; for example, a graphics card, printer, or third-party keyboard or mouse. On the Apple Mac, years ago, it was necessary for a user to install drivers provided by the manufacturers of these peripherals, especially printers.
However, as of this writing, in 2024, those days are long gone. Manufacturers engineer their products to be “class-compliant” with macOS (and iPhone, iPad, and other devices in the Apple ecosystem), meaning no third-party device drivers are needed, and there is nothing that you need to update.
The exception, however, is important to audio engineers, musicians and content creators: some manufacturers of audio interfaces and MIDI devices, with a USB or Thunderbolt connection, make certain models that still require a custom device driver. If you have one of those devices, here’s what you need to know.
- What is a Class-Compliant Audio Interface or MIDI device?
- Installing Device Drivers for Audio Interfaces and MIDI Devices
- Device Drivers for Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces on Mac
- Product Manager Installer Apps
- Audio Interface and MIDI Device Control Apps
- macOS Privacy & Security Settings
What is a Class-Compliant Audio Interface or MIDI device?
If the manufacturer of your audio interface or MIDI device states that it’s “class-compliant,” that means that this device is already designed to work with macOS without needing to have a driver installed. Just plug it in.
Note, however, that the manufacturer may also provide one or more apps that you need to use with the device. Consult the product page on the manufacturer’s website to find out what you need to download and how to install and activate the apps.
Installing Device Drivers for Audio Interfaces and MIDI Devices on Mac
For various technical reasons, some audio and MIDI devices are not class-compliant, and do require a custom driver.
The driver may be provided in an installer that you need to download. Check the owner’s manual and the product page on the website, and follow the instructions.
Refer to our SweetCare guide Where Can I Download the Drivers for My Audio or MIDI Interface? which provides a chart with links for dozens of manufacturers.
Device Drivers for Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces on Mac
Most Thunderbolt audio interfaces, with their higher throughput and lower latency, require a kernel extension. That’s a certain class of device driver that require the user to grant special security permissions to allow the driver to run. If you have such a device, check the manufacturer’s instructions about installing and updating it.
Here’s what you need to know about kernel extensions.
Product Manager Installer Apps
While you can usually download the driver for your specific device directly from the manufacturers’ website, certain manufacturers provide one app where you can register and download many products from that company. Examples include:
- Arturia Software Center
- IK Multimedia Product Manager
- Native Instruments Native Access
- Steinberg Download Assistant
- Universal Audio UA Connect
These apps may provide a means to check for updates to your registered products, and to install an update to the latest driver. Check the website and the owner’s manual.
Audio Interface and MIDI Device Control Apps
Some manufacturers of audio interfaces or MIDI devices provide a “control app.” Examples include:
- Focusrite Control
- Fender Universal Control (previously known as PreSonus Universal Control)
- Universal Audio UAD Console
The control app is required to configure and use your device.
When you install the control app, it will automatically install the driver needed for your device. The control app will alert you when there is a newer version of the app available, and prompt you to download and install it. In doing so, the app will update the driver. The app may also alert you when there is a firmware update for your device, and prompt you to install it. However, each manufacturer’s app has different features, so follow the instructions within the app and in its owner’s manual.
macOS Privacy & Security Settings
Privacy & Security in System Settings in macOS Sonoma
Sometimes when you run the installer for a driver, macOS will put up warning messages saying that an app, driver or extension cannot be installed because it is not from an identified developer. Certain drivers may be blocked from loading for other reasons. This is a safety feature to protect your system from potential malware.
As long as you are certain that you are working with software downloaded from the manufacturer of your device, there’s no need to worry. The manufacturer of your device will provide instructions that explain what to do when these messages appear. There are procedures for you to grant permission for the software to be installed and to run.
If the manufacturer provides such instructions, when you see a message that an installer was blocked, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and scroll down to the Security section. You’ll see a message explaining what was blocked. Click the Allow button. You will be asked to authenticate by entering the username and password of an administrator account on your Mac.
Consult the instructions from the manufacturer for additional steps you need to set up your device and its software.
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