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where can i find the Big Sur upgrade

I My Desktop currently has Catalina 10.15.7. I wanted to upgrade to Big Sur and forgot. Now there is Monterey. Don't i need to have Big Sur installed before Monterey?


My Desktop is 2017 Retina 5K

Posted on Oct 28, 2021 11:27 PM

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Posted on Oct 28, 2021 11:41 PM

You can upgrade directly to macOS Monterey.


Try this link in your Safari browser to get macOS Big Sur if you still want it.

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

Go to the section titled Use Safari to download macOS on your mac.

Click on Big Sur 11 this will redirect you to the App Store Big Sur

download page it should say Get or Download.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 28, 2021 11:41 PM in response to mmbak

You can upgrade directly to macOS Monterey.


Try this link in your Safari browser to get macOS Big Sur if you still want it.

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

Go to the section titled Use Safari to download macOS on your mac.

Click on Big Sur 11 this will redirect you to the App Store Big Sur

download page it should say Get or Download.

Oct 29, 2021 2:32 AM in response to mmbak

Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur 


There are several points to consider before attempting the upgrade to Big Sur. The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite for a smooth upgrade.  


The below points should all be consider Before attempting the upgrade.


Point # 1 - Are there pre-existing Unresolved Software Issues. They should be resolved prior to upgrading - they may carryover to Big Sur making the system unstable / unusable.


Point # 2 - 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. The The Built in Security  is all that is required.


Point # 2 A - Commercial VPNs should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect.


Point # 3 - What are the How to get old versions of macOS  ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur. Apple states 35.6 GB Empty Space but suggest 50 GB


Point # 4 - Does the intended computer qualify for the upgrade.


Point # 5 - Are the installed Applications / Extensions compatible with Big Sur. Check with the Developer for compatible Apps / extension or do they offer updates. Same goes for Third Party Drivers for Printer, Scanners etc.


Point # 6 - If upgrading from Mojave and earlier versions of macOS - Remember that Big Sur does not support anything 32 bit. These include Applications, Extensions and Drivers for any devices. There is no workaround.


Point # 6A - To check for 32 bit Applications - a good application to use is Go64 - safe to use.


Point # 7 - Do I have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site


Point # 8  - To upgrade to Big Sur will requires a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. 


If not available and using Wifi - move computer as close to the Access Point / Router and disconnect all other devices connected to Wifi. Want the maximum bandwidth for the computer being upgraded to Big Sur.

Oct 29, 2021 12:15 PM in response to PRP_53

So big Sur has a lot of issues and you can skip that upgrade and go directly to Monterey? Monterey just came out so I should wait awhile before installing it to see if there are issues.


I was under the assumption you had to keep the updates/upgrades going in order to get to the next upgrade.


What has been the biggest issue with Big Sur?

where can i find the Big Sur upgrade

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