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when click the Spotlight icon research, it still not show me the software update

MacBook Air 13″

Posted on Aug 28, 2023 9:09 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 29, 2023 10:56 AM

Software Update was implemented on the System Preferences panel with macOS Mojave. Earlier operating systems used the Mac App Store Updates page to determine if a current operating system update or security update became available.


Your Apple hardware will determine if you can upgrade (not update) beyond your current operating system version. If you share the product description line from the Apple menu () : About This Mac panel, we can help you determine if the Mac can be upgraded, or if you are on your last version of macOS for that hardware.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 29, 2023 10:56 AM in response to khai183

Software Update was implemented on the System Preferences panel with macOS Mojave. Earlier operating systems used the Mac App Store Updates page to determine if a current operating system update or security update became available.


Your Apple hardware will determine if you can upgrade (not update) beyond your current operating system version. If you share the product description line from the Apple menu () : About This Mac panel, we can help you determine if the Mac can be upgraded, or if you are on your last version of macOS for that hardware.

Aug 29, 2023 12:35 PM in response to khai183

Excellent point by @VikingOSX and souls have realized your question was appearing in macOS 11 Big Sur but really this computer is running an older version of macOS


Example ruling macOS 10.13 High Sierra and refer to image below





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.  For Best results use Safari to commence the download as Others may not work.


Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence.


Does this computer appear as Listed and qualifying for an upGrade to a newer version of macOS


If Yes, suggest having at least 50 GB of Empty Space on the drive.


It will allow the Full Version ( about 12.xx GB ) to download, expand and then commence to install.


If there is Third Party Security Software installed - remove it.


It will interfere with both the download and installation process.


The below links will help identify which version of macOS  this computer may Qualify to run.


macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements


macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements


macOS Mojave 10.14 hardware requirements


macOS High Sierra 10.13 hardware requirements


Make Time Machine Backup  before doing any upGrades 


Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura supports only 64 bit and there is no workaround.


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

Aug 29, 2023 2:57 AM in response to khai183

To avoid the question / answer and question answer scenario


Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.


This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.


It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer 


The application is free or paid for added features. 


The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 


Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - >>>> using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last ) <<<<





when click the Spotlight icon research, it still not show me the software update

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