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how can I update my I Mac Pro Sierra to Catalina?

I would like to update my system so I can download Adobe Illustrator and other applications for my graphic design class. I got my computer in 2015 so I don’t know if it’s too old but I hope not because I cannot afford a new one.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Nov 30, 2021 10:55 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 30, 2021 11:16 AM

To be clear, software update generally means to install software to update the macOS currently running on the Mac; update Catalina 10.15.1 to Catalina 10.15.7, for example.


To update your current macOS, click the Apple  icon > About This Mac and then click Software Updates.... If there are any updates available for your Mac, they will be listed and you can apply them when you like.  Software updates may be set to occur automatically.  If no updates are presented, then it may be assumed that none are available for your current OS.


A software upgrade is usually a generational step up to a newer macOS; upgrade from 10.13 High Sierra to 10.14 Mojave, for example, or from 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur.


Upgrades do not happen automatically. They must be initiated by a user with admin privileges.


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

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine


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 of your screen and choose About This Mac.


Check the Compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS:

➡️ macOS 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here



❗️ – IMPORTANT – Your 32-bit apps won’t work in Catalina, Big Sur or Monterey.

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

Use the free utility Go64 to check the compatibility of your apps:

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/


✅ - IF your Mac and apps are compatible, then using Safari only, download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > MojaveCatalina.

Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 30, 2021 11:16 AM in response to karsyn2002

To be clear, software update generally means to install software to update the macOS currently running on the Mac; update Catalina 10.15.1 to Catalina 10.15.7, for example.


To update your current macOS, click the Apple  icon > About This Mac and then click Software Updates.... If there are any updates available for your Mac, they will be listed and you can apply them when you like.  Software updates may be set to occur automatically.  If no updates are presented, then it may be assumed that none are available for your current OS.


A software upgrade is usually a generational step up to a newer macOS; upgrade from 10.13 High Sierra to 10.14 Mojave, for example, or from 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur.


Upgrades do not happen automatically. They must be initiated by a user with admin privileges.


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

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine


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 of your screen and choose About This Mac.


Check the Compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS:

➡️ macOS 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here



❗️ – IMPORTANT – Your 32-bit apps won’t work in Catalina, Big Sur or Monterey.

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

Use the free utility Go64 to check the compatibility of your apps:

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/


✅ - IF your Mac and apps are compatible, then using Safari only, download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > MojaveCatalina.

Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

how can I update my I Mac Pro Sierra to Catalina?

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