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How To

How to upgrade to Mac OS X 10.9.3 beta

Pier Francesco Piccolomini

Pier Francesco Piccolomini

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Beta versions of OS X are normally only available to developers. This time, however, Apple has decided that anyone who has Mavericks can try out OS X 10.9.3.

In this tutorial we’ll explain how to install it (as well as how to go back if you don’t like it).

How to upgrade to Mac OS X 10.9.3 beta

Make a backup of your Mac

OS X 10.9.3 is a beta, so it’s not fully stable. With this in mind, it’s best to have the option to go back to version 10.9.2.

Since downgrading isn’t possible, you’ll have to make a backup copy of your pre-upgrade computer so that you can reinstall it, if necessary.

If you use Time Machine, your computer will make backup copies automatically. To revert to a backup copy, restart your Mac while holding down Command + R (which starts OS X Utilities), choose Restore from Time Machine Backup, and follow the wizard.

Another good option is to use Carbon Copy Cloner, which lets you create backups of and easily restore your Mac.

Once you’ve sure hat you can retrace your steps, you’re ready to install the OS X 10.9.3 beta.

Download and install the update

1. Register with the Beta Seed Program

To download Mavericks 10.9.3, you have to register with the program that lets you test Apple OS beta versions.

Go to OS X Beta Seed Program, click on Join Now, and then on Get Started on the following page.

OS X Beta Seed Program

2. Login

At this point, you need to enter your Apple ID and password. If you’ve got a Mac then you’ll almost definitely already have this account. Otherwise, click on create one now and follow the steps.

OS X Beta Seed Program login

You’ll need to register your Mac with the program by clicking on Enroll Your Mac.

3. Download the update package

To download the Mavericks Beta Access Utility, which is necessary to update your Mac to version 10.9.3, click Download Beta Access Utility.

Download Beta Access Utility

At this point, open the disk image you just downloaded and double-click on the PKG file, then follow the installation wizard.

Mavericks Beta Access Utility pkg

4. Update OS

The App Store will open automatically, and after checking for available updates, you’ll see under Software Update the update of the OS to version 10.9.3 beta (Pre-release version: OS X 10.9.3 Update Seed 13D45a) and iTunes (Pre-release: iTunes 11.1.6). Click on Update for both of them.

Mavericks Beta Access Utility update

You’ll also need to update iTunes because OS X 10.9.3 synchronizes contacts and calendars through iTunes.

5. Restart your computer

To complete the process, you’ll need to authorize the restart of your Mac.

Restart Mac

And after a few more minutes, voila! You’ve got Mavericks 10.9.3 installed on your Mac.

Your feedback is important

In the Dock, you’ll also find a new app called Feedback Assistant. Open it, log in with your Apple ID credentials, and you report any problems you encounter during the beta test directly to Apple.

You don’t have to give feedback, but if you do, you’ll help the developers fix bugs in the beta.

If you haven’t yet upgraded to Mavericks because you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, read our review and find out the advantages and new features it can offer.

Pier Francesco Piccolomini

Pier Francesco Piccolomini

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