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I'm on macOS X El Capitan / vs 10.11.6 but can't see the option to update to macOS 11.0 / macOS Big Sur

I'm on macOS X El Capitan / vs 10.11.6 and have been told by my partner I need to update to macOS 11.0 / macOS Big Sur but under software update, there is no new version showing?


MacBook Pro 15″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 16, 2021 12:50 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 17, 2021 1:48 AM

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.


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 Others may not work. Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where you can commence the download. If an error message appears, that is probably because one is using another Browser.


Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur  Only if this computer Qualifies for the Big Sur upGrade.


Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.


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


Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, 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

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 17, 2021 1:48 AM in response to ClairCY

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.


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 Others may not work. Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where you can commence the download. If an error message appears, that is probably because one is using another Browser.


Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur  Only if this computer Qualifies for the Big Sur upGrade.


Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.


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


Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, 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

I'm on macOS X El Capitan / vs 10.11.6 but can't see the option to update to macOS 11.0 / macOS Big Sur

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