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.

Operating system

How do I install an up to date operating system?


Posted on Oct 1, 2021 6:51 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 1, 2021 7:08 PM

Do NOT upgrade until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.


How to Upgrade  macOS:

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the year your Mac was released.

Click the  (Apple) menu at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac.


macOS 10.13 High Sierra is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp765?locale=en_US


macOS 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP777?locale=en_US


macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210222


macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211238 


❗️ IMPORTANT – Backup your data, now, before you attempt an upgrade.

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250


❗️IMPORTANT – NONE of your 32-bit apps will work in Catalina or Big Sur.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436

Use this free utility to check the compatibility of your apps:

St. Claire Software – Go64: https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/


🖥 – Check compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475


✅ - Using Safari only, download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina or Big Sur.

Once downloaded, double-click the installer app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 1, 2021 7:08 PM in response to Bigbillsuber

Do NOT upgrade until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.


How to Upgrade  macOS:

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the year your Mac was released.

Click the  (Apple) menu at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac.


macOS 10.13 High Sierra is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp765?locale=en_US


macOS 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP777?locale=en_US


macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210222


macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211238 


❗️ IMPORTANT – Backup your data, now, before you attempt an upgrade.

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250


❗️IMPORTANT – NONE of your 32-bit apps will work in Catalina or Big Sur.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436

Use this free utility to check the compatibility of your apps:

St. Claire Software – Go64: https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/


🖥 – Check compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475


✅ - Using Safari only, download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina or Big Sur.

Once downloaded, double-click the installer app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

Operating system

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