{"id":1742463,"date":"2018-07-10T16:43:48","date_gmt":"2018-07-10T20:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/?post_type=articles&p=1742463"},"modified":"2026-01-13T12:33:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T17:33:37","slug":"how-do-i-update-drivers-on-my-mac","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/how-do-i-update-drivers-on-my-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I Update Drivers on my Mac?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A device driver<\/strong> is a piece of software code that enables a computer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as of this writing, in 2024, those days are long gone. Manufacturers engineer their products to be \u201cclass-compliant\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. What is a Class-Compliant Audio Interface or MIDI device?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
  2. Installing Device Drivers for Audio Interfaces and MIDI Devices<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
  3. Device Drivers for Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces on Mac<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
  4. Product Manager Installer Apps<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
  5. Audio Interface and MIDI Device Control Apps<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
  6. macOS Privacy & Security Settings<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What is a Class-Compliant Audio Interface or MIDI device?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If the manufacturer of your audio interface or MIDI device states that it\u2019s \u201cclass-compliant,\u201d that means that this device is already designed to work with macOS without needing to have a driver installed. Just plug it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2019s website to find out what you need to download and how to install and activate the apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Installing Device Drivers for Audio Interfaces and MIDI Devices on Mac<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    For various technical reasons, some audio and MIDI devices are not<\/strong> class-compliant, and do require a custom driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The driver may be provided in an installer that you need to download. Check the owner\u2019s manual and the product page on the website, and follow the instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Refer to our SweetCare guide Where Can I Download the Drivers for My Audio or MIDI Interface?<\/a> which provides a chart with links for dozens of manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>

    Where Can I Download the Drivers for My Audio or MIDI Interface?<\/p>

    <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n\n\n\n

    Device Drivers for Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces on Mac<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Most Thunderbolt audio interfaces, with their higher throughput and lower latency, require a kernel extension<\/strong>. That\u2019s 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\u2019s instructions about installing and updating it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s what you need to know about kernel extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>

    What is Enabling Kernel Extensions, and Why Is It Necessary?<\/p>

    <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a>\n\n\n\n

    Product Manager Installer Apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While you can usually download the driver for your specific device directly from the manufacturers\u2019 website, certain manufacturers provide one app where you can register and download many products from that company. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n