I have a macbook pro from 2011. How can I upgrade it?

Stjb wrote:

I have Sierra High. I can't upgrade to Big Sur because it is compatible with MacBook pro 2013 and up. Does this mean this is the end of my software updates? Is my perfectly working computer useless because apple does not let me upgrade it?

Because of the built in hardware limitations, you can go no further than the maximum of High Sierra.

The latest 10.13.6 (17G14042) update (November 12, 2020)

Full stop.

Stjb wrote:

I don't want to change my 2011 MacBook pro. It works beautifully. The only problem is that I can't use apps that require the latest software upgrade. What can I do?

If you have issue— verify you are using the Safari browser to download/initiate the macOS links:

older macOS installer backups on this server:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211683

Stjb wrote:

I have Sierra High. I can't upgrade to Big Sur because it is compatible with MacBook pro 2013 and up. Does this mean this is the end of my software updates? Is my perfectly working computer useless because apple does not let me upgrade it?

Technology is preventing you from upgrading it not Apple. Your obsolete/vintage computer does not have the hardware necessary to run a modern operating system.

Hi,

You can only hardware related upgrade, such as 16GB RAM and replace HDD with SSD.

macOS High Sierra is the latest OS for your MacBook Pro.