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Software Update

Hi, I have the 12" 2017 Retina Macbook and have been having trouble updating the software. I've been updated to the 10.12.6 for a long time now. I've restarted my macbook multiple times but it keeps saying there's no available software updates. Is my macbook just not compatible with any newer softwares?

Posted on Dec 17, 2020 2:23 AM

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Posted on Dec 17, 2020 2:44 AM

Yes this machine can be upgraded all the way to Big Sur. There is the link on How to Upgrade to Big Sur. Now, suggest reading the linked page in great detail before attempting the upgrade. It is especially important to know, Catalina and Big Sur Do Not support 32 bit apps of any kind nor 32 bit extensions. Also, make sure the drive has Enough Empty Space as per lined page. Make a Time Machine Backup Before doing the upgrade and if possible 2 Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance in case the upgrade goes sideways or do not like Big Sur. Have a good, stable and semi-fast internet connection and take another devices Off the Wifi if possible

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 17, 2020 2:44 AM in response to B1155N

Yes this machine can be upgraded all the way to Big Sur. There is the link on How to Upgrade to Big Sur. Now, suggest reading the linked page in great detail before attempting the upgrade. It is especially important to know, Catalina and Big Sur Do Not support 32 bit apps of any kind nor 32 bit extensions. Also, make sure the drive has Enough Empty Space as per lined page. Make a Time Machine Backup Before doing the upgrade and if possible 2 Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance in case the upgrade goes sideways or do not like Big Sur. Have a good, stable and semi-fast internet connection and take another devices Off the Wifi if possible

Dec 17, 2020 2:42 AM in response to B1155N

The App Store Updates page only informs you of updates available for the OS you are running.


Installing a newer OS is called an upgrade.


Which OS you can upgrade to will be governed by which model and year your mac is.


Your 2017 mac can upgrade to all the newer OS's High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina

and the most recent macOS Big Sur. You do not have to install them in sequence

you can choose which OS you want to upgrade to and go straight to it.


Do your homework first before rushing ahead.


For High Sierra, Mojave or Catalina.


Open Safari and click on this link, 


How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support


Go to Check Compatibility to see if your mac qualifies for the OS upgrade you want.


Then go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.


If you want to or are able to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below.


How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.


Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.

Do not use your mac while it is downloading

and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.


If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina or Big Sur be warned they do not support 32bit apps.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps,

some updates may be free, some may be paid. Use this app to discover which apps you have

are 32bit, https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/ then contact the developers of the software to see

if they are providing 64bit updates or alternatives.

Software Update

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