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software update

what if in system preferences there is no software update to push on?


MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Jun 25, 2021 6:41 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 25, 2021 7:11 AM

System Preferences> Software Update only came to macOS with the introduction of macOS Mojave 10.14.

If you are running an older OS as indicated in your profile you do not have that option.


Your MacBook Pro 2015 can upgrade to all available OS's.


For macOS Mojave or macOS Catalina,


Open Safari and click on this link, 


How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

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 want to or are able to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below.

How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina or Big Sur be warned they do 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 offering 64bit updates.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 25, 2021 7:11 AM in response to joeybrooks123

System Preferences> Software Update only came to macOS with the introduction of macOS Mojave 10.14.

If you are running an older OS as indicated in your profile you do not have that option.


Your MacBook Pro 2015 can upgrade to all available OS's.


For macOS Mojave or macOS Catalina,


Open Safari and click on this link, 


How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

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 want to or are able to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below.

How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina or Big Sur be warned they do 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 offering 64bit updates.

Jun 25, 2021 7:12 AM in response to joeybrooks123

It is alerting you to the fact the Application will require a newer version of macOS.


The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. And in your case, it can upGrade all the way to Big Sur.


How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur Special Attention to Empty Space Requirements - If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.


Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur  Worth reading Before attempting the upgrade


With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install. Make sure to use Only Safari to commence the download as Other may not work


Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina and Big Sur Only support 64 bit and there is no workaround.


Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Defrag, VPNs etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation.

software update

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