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Problems updating operating software

My Mac is operating with El Capitan but when I click on Software Updates, nothing appears. I would like to update my operating software to Sierra or High Sierra but don't know how to get my Updates to list a newer version.

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 13, 2020 6:54 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 14, 2020 12:29 AM

The App Store Updates page only informs you of updates available for the OS you are currently running.

As you are running an older system then you are probably up to date on that system.


If you want to install a newer OS that is called an Upgrade. 


The model and year of your Mac will determine which macOS you can upgrade to,


Please use Safari to access the following links do not use Firefox



How to upgrade to macOS Mojave - Apple Support


How to upgrade to macOS High Sierra - Apple Support


How to upgrade to macOS Sierra - Apple Support


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.


Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.

Do not use your mac while it is downloading

and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.


If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina be warned that it does not support 32bit apps.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps,

some updates may be free, some may be paid. Use this app to discover which apps you have

are 32bit, https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/. Once the list has been created you can then

contact the developers of the apps to see if they provide 64bit updates. 


How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 14, 2020 12:29 AM in response to LivingtheFaith

The App Store Updates page only informs you of updates available for the OS you are currently running.

As you are running an older system then you are probably up to date on that system.


If you want to install a newer OS that is called an Upgrade. 


The model and year of your Mac will determine which macOS you can upgrade to,


Please use Safari to access the following links do not use Firefox



How to upgrade to macOS Mojave - Apple Support


How to upgrade to macOS High Sierra - Apple Support


How to upgrade to macOS Sierra - Apple Support


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.


Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.

Do not use your mac while it is downloading

and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.


If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina be warned that it does not support 32bit apps.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps,

some updates may be free, some may be paid. Use this app to discover which apps you have

are 32bit, https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/. Once the list has been created you can then

contact the developers of the apps to see if they provide 64bit updates. 


How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support

Sep 14, 2020 4:46 PM in response to LivingtheFaith

General Requirements

  • OS X 10.7.5 or later
  • 2GB of memory
  • 8.8GB of available storage
  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, choose About This Mac, then choose More Info. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Sierra:

  • MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

Feature Requirements

Handoff, Instant Hotspot, and Universal Clipboard

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (2012 or newer)
  • iMac (2012 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013)

Handoff requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.

Instant Hotspot requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity with a Lightning connector and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.

Auto Unlock

Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 and an iPhone 5 or later.

Siri

Requires a broadband Internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).

Apple Pay on the Web

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (2012 or newer)
  • iMac (2012 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013)


Sep 14, 2020 10:03 PM in response to LivingtheFaith

Well as written in my post to you,

the model and year of your mac will determine which OS you can upgrade to.

That is on the fourth line.


Then you are asked to click on the links below,

in each Section 1 of these is the Compatibility table,

this describes which macs can upgrade to the respective

OS's. If for example you cannot upgrade to Mojave, look

at High Sierra or Sierra, if your mac does not meet the criteria

for the OS then your mac cannot upgrade any further.


When you made your post asking for help you did so hoping that people would

read your post and give information relevant to your enquiry.

In respect of those that take the time to answer your question, given the fact that you did not

bother to give any details regarding the model and age of your mac then the response given

to you can only be a general response.

It is then incumbent on you to read the details of the response in respect of Section 1 in each

of the How To Guides I posted above. Had you read those thoroughly then you would have

noticed that you would not have been able to upgrade your mac further.


If you had given the relevant details of your mac in respect of model and year you would have got

a direct response that your mac cannot upgrade any further.


Now knowing that you cannot upgrade further on your then you would need to buy a pre-owned mac

that is capable of running Sierra and High Sierra or perhaps Mojave. Or buy a new mac which will come

with macOS Catalina.

Problems updating operating software

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