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can i upgrade straight from High Sierra to bigSur if my macbook pro is compatible?

Just confirming its ok to jump from OS High Sierra to Big Sur. I have a 13" 2017 Mac Book Pro , 2 thunderbolt , 3 ports and 56 gb of available flash drive. Thanks Dicky

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Sep 13, 2021 8:19 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 13, 2021 9:38 AM

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.  


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


Point # 2 - Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, 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 and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation. The Built-in Security of Big Sur is all that is required.


Point # 2 A - Commercial VPNs should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect.


Point # 3 - What are the System Requirements ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur. Apple say 35.5 GB empty space but suggest at least 50 GB Empty Space


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 - If upgrading from Mojave and earlier versions of macOS - Remember that Big Sur does not support anything 32 bit. These include Applications, Extensions and Drivers for any devices. There is no workaround.


Point # 7 - Do you have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site


Point # 8  - To upgrade to Big Sur will requires 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.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 13, 2021 9:38 AM in response to Dicky1

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.  


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


Point # 2 - Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, 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 and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation. The Built-in Security of Big Sur is all that is required.


Point # 2 A - Commercial VPNs should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect.


Point # 3 - What are the System Requirements ie: Empty Space Requirements specific to the Big Sur. Apple say 35.5 GB empty space but suggest at least 50 GB Empty Space


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 - If upgrading from Mojave and earlier versions of macOS - Remember that Big Sur does not support anything 32 bit. These include Applications, Extensions and Drivers for any devices. There is no workaround.


Point # 7 - Do you have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site


Point # 8  - To upgrade to Big Sur will requires 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.

Sep 13, 2021 8:56 AM in response to Dicky1

Yes that's OK. Also see the following from How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support


If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.



Sep 13, 2021 9:05 AM in response to Dicky1

Using the free Go64 application, determine what 32-bit applications that you have currently, as Big Sur only supports 64-bit applications, printers, and scanner drivers. Remove any anti-virus, and so-called Mac cleaner/optimizer software, and third-party kernel drivers. Check with each of your third-party vendors to verify that they have a Big Sur compatible application, and any 64-bit application upgrade fees should they exist.


Perform a final Time Machine backup of High Sierra, and then do not reuse that drive in Big Sur, opting for a new TM drive. That way, you have a fallback plan to High Sierra.

can i upgrade straight from High Sierra to bigSur if my macbook pro is compatible?

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