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Upgrade from macOS Sierra (10.12)

Can I go directly form macOS Sierra (10.12) to Big Sur or should I install Catalina (10.15) first?


Posted on Apr 14, 2021 1:54 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 14, 2021 2:15 PM

Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur 


There are several points to consider before attempting the upgrade to Big Sur. The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite for a smooth upgrade.  


The below points should all be consider Before attempting the upgrade.


Point # 1 - Are there pre-existing Unresolved Software Issues. They should be resolved prior to upgrading - many will / may carryover to Big Sur making the system unstable / unusable.


Point # 2 - Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Defrag, VPNs etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS. The Built-in Security of Big Sur is all that is required.


Point # 3 - What are the System Requirements ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur.


Point # 4 - Does the intended computer qualify for the upgrade.


Point # 5 - Are the installed Applications / Extensions compatible with Big Sur. Check with the Developer for compatible Apps / extension or do they offer updates. Same goes for Third Party Drivers for Printer, Scanners etc.


Point # 6 - Do I have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having a Time Machine Backup and for addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways


Point # 7  - To upgrade to Big Sur will require a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. If not available and using Wifi - move computer as close to the Access Point / Router and disconnect all other devices connected to Wifi. Want the maximum bandwidth for the computer being upgraded to Big Sur.


Good Luck and come back to these Forums if there are questions, concerns or comments.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 14, 2021 2:15 PM in response to roc1nyc

Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur 


There are several points to consider before attempting the upgrade to Big Sur. The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite for a smooth upgrade.  


The below points should all be consider Before attempting the upgrade.


Point # 1 - Are there pre-existing Unresolved Software Issues. They should be resolved prior to upgrading - many will / may carryover to Big Sur making the system unstable / unusable.


Point # 2 - Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Defrag, VPNs etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS. The Built-in Security of Big Sur is all that is required.


Point # 3 - What are the System Requirements ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur.


Point # 4 - Does the intended computer qualify for the upgrade.


Point # 5 - Are the installed Applications / Extensions compatible with Big Sur. Check with the Developer for compatible Apps / extension or do they offer updates. Same goes for Third Party Drivers for Printer, Scanners etc.


Point # 6 - Do I have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having a Time Machine Backup and for addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways


Point # 7  - To upgrade to Big Sur will require a quick, stable and reliable Internet Connection - preferred method is via Ethernet Connection. If not available and using Wifi - move computer as close to the Access Point / Router and disconnect all other devices connected to Wifi. Want the maximum bandwidth for the computer being upgraded to Big Sur.


Good Luck and come back to these Forums if there are questions, concerns or comments.

Apr 15, 2021 1:47 AM in response to freddypina

Download macOS Big Sur

If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update.

Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.


Just remember, the jump from Sierra to Big Sur is very large upGrade. Also, starting in Catalina and also in Bug Sur - support for anything 32 Bit is gone and there is not workaround to get it back.

Upgrade from macOS Sierra (10.12)

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