How do I upgrade my iMac 24-inch, M1, 2021, 12.7.6 Monterey

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Level 1

4 points

How do I upgrade my iMac 24-inch, M1, 2021, 12.7.6 Monterey

How do I upgrade my iMac 24-inch, M1, 2021 running 12.7.6 Monterey? The system wants to jump to 26 Tahoe! Even though the chart says it is compatible, I am afraid that would break my machine. I will do a time machine backup before doing anything but someone please tell me if doing a one time, 14 os jump is advisable.

Also, with that much of a difference wouldn't other things be out of whack, like apps?

I was thinking about doing one os at a time but can't find where to access them.

Any advice or suggestions are much appreciated. I don't know very much so if possible keep it simple...

Thanks!

iMac 24″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Nov 29, 2025 9:59 AM

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Answer 1

6x6

Level 6

19,245 points

Nov 29, 2025 11:31 AM in response to tom.4palms

You can download specific versions of macOS from the App Store. This article will give you the links: How to download and install macOS - Apple Support.

You may want to hold off installing macOS Tahoe if you are not comfortable. Try installing macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia. I’m using macOS Sequoia and I’m quite happy with it.

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Answer 2

Nov 29, 2025 11:33 AM in response to tom.4palms

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

These days, you can also search the App Store for Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia. (For whatever reason, Apple seems to want you to get Tahoe through Software Update.)

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Answer 3

Nov 29, 2025 2:12 PM in response to tom.4palms

I don't know which MacOS it's in but I had to find a hidden function to "UpGrade" to a new MacOS that was not the latest one allowed for your iMac.

Try this: go to the Software Update panel in the System Preferences app. Now look at the information buttons (i.e., the circle with the lower case i in it). Although clicking on one of these should normally only provide information, in this case clicking on one (I forget which) can reveal a hidden selection screen that allows you to choose the MacOS that you want to upgrade to (I believe that you should be able to jump to Sequoia).

Again, it's been awhile since I looked at this but that was the mechanism that you could specifically choose an update or an upgrade that might be available to you at that time. If there is no choices, the entire selection mechanism disappears.

Hope this helps. If not, some of the other suggestions made here can work.

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Answer 4

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,030 points

Nov 29, 2025 1:18 PM in response to tom.4palms

I went directly from Monterey to Sequoia and no issues except the new user interface took some learning.

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