Self Service+ (macOS) and Software Center (Windows) are software management tools built into every KAUST-managed device. They give you on-demand access to install IT-approved applications, apply security and system updates, and upgrade your operating system, all without needing administrator rights or contacting the IT Help Desk first.

Think of them as your device's own app store: curated, licensed, and managed by KAUST IT.

Jump to:   Overview  |  Self Service+  |  Software Center  |  Updates and OS Upgrades  |  Available Software  |  Need Something Not Listed?

Overview

Both tools work the same way, just on different platforms. Platform differences are shown first, followed by everything the two tools share.

	Self Service+ (macOS)	Software Center (Windows)
Platform	macOS	Windows
How to open	Applications folder, or Spotlight (⌘ + Space)	Start menu or taskbar search
The following applies to both platforms
Install approved software	Yes
Apply security and system updates	Yes
OS upgrades	Yes
Install without admin rights?	Yes — no administrator rights needed when installing from Self Service+ or Software Center
Updates automatically pushed?	Yes — security and system updates are pushed automatically by KAUST IT and/or Apple or Microsoft, as applicable
Advance notice for major updates?	Yes, communicated in advance via IT Alerts

macOS: Self Service+

Self Service+ is available on all KAUST-managed Mac devices. It allows you to browse and install approved software, apply updates, and run OS upgrades, without needing administrator access or raising a ticket.

Opening Self Service+

You can open Self Service+ in either of these ways:

• Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and double-click Self Service+.
• Press ⌘ + Space to open Spotlight, type Self Service+, and press Return.

Installing Software

The Catalog organizes software into categories; select a category or search, then click Install on any item

1. Open Self Service+.
2. Go to Catalog to browse by category, or use the search bar to find the software you need.
3. Click on the software to view its details and description.
4. Click Install. The software will install automatically. No administrator password is required.
5. Once complete, the app will appear in your Applications folder.

Checking for Updates

The Updates section lists any pending updates ready to apply; if nothing appears here, your device is up to date

1. Open Self Service+.
2. Click Updates in the left navigation.
3. Any pending updates will be listed. Click Update or Update All to apply them.
4. Some updates may require a restart. You will be prompted if this is needed.

Updates are pushed automatically by KAUST IT and/or Apple, as applicable. If nothing appears in the Updates section, your device is current.

Upgrading Your Operating System

When a major macOS upgrade is ready for your device, it will appear in Self Service+ under the Catalog in the macOS Update category. These upgrades are typically released once per year and are communicated in advance through IT Alerts. Review the IT Alert for any guidance or timing recommendations before starting an upgrade.

1. Open Self Service+ and go to Catalog.
2. Select the macOS Update category, or locate the upgrade in the Updates section.
3. Review any notes or instructions associated with the upgrade.
4. Click Upgrade. Ensure your device is plugged in and has sufficient time to complete.

Windows: Software Center

Software Center is available on all KAUST-managed Windows devices. It gives you on-demand access to install approved software, check for updates, and upgrade your operating system, without needing administrator access or contacting the IT Help Desk first.

Opening Software Center

• Click the Start button or press the Windows key, type Software Center, and press Enter.

Installing Software

The Applications tab lists all software available to install; click any item to view details, then click Install

1. Open Software Center.
2. Browse the Applications tab, or use the search bar to find the software you need.
3. Click on the software to view its details and description.
4. Click Install. The installation runs automatically. No administrator access is required.
5. Installation status is shown in the Installation Status tab.

Checking for Updates via Software Center

The Updates tab in Software Center; any pending IT-managed updates appear here for you to install

1. Open Software Center.
2. Click the Updates tab.
3. Any pending IT-managed updates will be listed. Select and install as needed.
4. Some updates require a device restart. You will be prompted when this is necessary.

Updates are pushed automatically by KAUST IT and/or Microsoft, as applicable. If the Updates tab is empty, your device is current.

Checking for Updates via Windows Update

The dropdown next to Check for updates lets you choose between KAUST-approved updates or checking Microsoft directly for additional driver updates

You can also check for updates through Windows Update (Settings > Windows Update). When you do, you will see two options:

Option	What It Does
Check for updates	Checks for updates that KAUST IT has staged and approved for your device.
Check online for updates from Microsoft Update	Checks Microsoft's servers directly. Delivers the same core updates, and may also surface additional optional updates for your device's hardware, such as your webcam, network card, or graphics card.

Both options are fully supported. Use the Microsoft Update option if you also want to check for hardware-specific driver updates.

Upgrading Your Operating System

When a major Windows upgrade is available for your device (for example, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11), it will appear in Software Center under the Operating Systems tab. These upgrades are typically made available once per year and are communicated in advance through IT Alerts. Review the IT Alert before beginning any OS upgrade.

1. Open Software Center and click the Operating Systems tab.
2. Locate the OS upgrade and review any accompanying notes or instructions.
3. Click Install. Ensure your device is plugged in and has enough time to complete the upgrade.

Updates and OS Upgrades

KAUST IT manages security and system updates centrally, working alongside Apple and Microsoft. Here is a summary of what to expect and when:

Stay informed by checking IT Alerts regularly, particularly before major patching cycles or OS upgrade windows. For additional information about supported operating systems at KAUST, visit the Operating Systems page.

Available Software

Both Self Service+ and Software Center include a broad range of IT-approved applications for communication, research, development, and administrative work. The categories below give you a sense of what is available. The full catalog is visible inside the tools themselves.

This is not a complete list. Open Self Service+ or Software Center on your device to browse the full catalog. For all software licensed for the KAUST community, including research and specialist applications, visit the IT Software page.

Need Something That Is Not Listed?

If the software you need is not available in Self Service+ or Software Center, submit a request through VITA. KAUST IT will review the request and advise on availability, licensing requirements, or alternatives. For a full list of all software licensed for the KAUST community, visit the IT Software page.

Submit a Request via VITA Contact IT Support

Related Resources

• KAUST IT Managed Devices
• Operating Systems
• IT Alerts
• IT Software Catalog
• Contact IT Support