You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Why isn't my Mac updating past El Capitan?

I just realized my MacBook Pro isn't updating to new OS.

I have OS X El Capitan 10.11.6, and when I check software updates, there is nothing to update.

I have a MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)

According to other forums I have seen, I should be able to get Sierra or newer, but I can't find any info about this from Apple.


I really hope this is just a fluke and I will be able to get a newer OS, because there are programs I want to use that aren't compatible with El Capitan.


Thank you for any answers or advice!


MacBook Pro 15″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jan 8, 2021 11:38 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 8, 2021 12:04 PM

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


Installing a newer OS is called an upgrade.


Your 2012 mac can upgrade to the following OS's macOS Sierra 10.12, macOS High Sierra 10.13,

macOS Mojave 10.14 and macOS Catalina 10.15.

If you want to upgrade to Mojave or Catalina I would advise upgrading to High Sierra first.


Open Safari and click on this link, 


How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support


Then go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.


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 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/ then contact the developers of the software to see

if they are providing 64bit updates or alternatives.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 8, 2021 12:04 PM in response to Jgusgus

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


Installing a newer OS is called an upgrade.


Your 2012 mac can upgrade to the following OS's macOS Sierra 10.12, macOS High Sierra 10.13,

macOS Mojave 10.14 and macOS Catalina 10.15.

If you want to upgrade to Mojave or Catalina I would advise upgrading to High Sierra first.


Open Safari and click on this link, 


How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support


Then go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.


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 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/ then contact the developers of the software to see

if they are providing 64bit updates or alternatives.

Why isn't my Mac updating past El Capitan?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.