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.

I have an iMac 27-inch, late 2013 running Catalina V. 10.15.7. I got a message when I tried to install new software that I need to upgrade to Big Sur v. 10.16 in order to run the software.

How do I upgrade to Big Sur?

Thanks!

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 28, 2023 3:26 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 28, 2023 3:30 PM

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 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here 

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 13 Ventura is compatible with the Macs listed here


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

Click >  Big SurMonterey  or  Ventura.

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


Please see > How to download macOS.


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 28, 2023 3:30 PM in response to Grammy Bet

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 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here 

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 13 Ventura is compatible with the Macs listed here


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

Click >  Big SurMonterey  or  Ventura.

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


Please see > How to download macOS.


I have an iMac 27-inch, late 2013 running Catalina V. 10.15.7. I got a message when I tried to install new software that I need to upgrade to Big Sur v. 10.16 in order to run the software.

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