How Do You Upgrade Your Mac Operating System

Versions of Mac OS X 10.5 and later have the ability to run software update checks automatically. These checks can run in the background. When a software upgrade is available, the computer will prompt you. For example, you may be running version 10.11 of Mac OS, version 10.12 is an upgrade, and version 10.11.x is an update. Another good example of a software upgrade is upgrading your version of Windows. For example, if you had Microsoft Windows 8.1 and were upgrade to Windows 10, it would be considered a software upgrade. Make sure you're ready to upgrade. Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. If your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Big Sur. You'll need the following: OS X 10.9 or later; 4GB of memory; 35.5GB available storage on macOS Sierra or later. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, Music, Photos, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, and FaceTime. Keep your Mac up to date To download macOS software updates, choose Apple menu System Preferences, then click Software Update. Tip: You can also choose Apple menu About This Mac, then click Software Update. To update software downloaded from the App Store, choose Apple menu App Store, then click Updates.

Update Old Mac Operating System
How Do You Upgrade Your Mac Operating System Without
How Do You Upgrade Your Mac Operating System Software

Use Software Update

Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click 'More info' to see details about each update and select specific updates to install. You might be asked to enter your administrator password.
When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, Music, Photos, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, and FaceTime.
To automatically install future updates, including for apps that you got from the App Store, select 'Automatically keep my Mac up to date.' Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.

Update the software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

Learn more

Learn how to get updates for earlier versions of macOS that don't include Software Update preferences.
You can also use the App Store to update apps or redownload apps that came from the App Store.
Learn which macOS your Mac is using and how to upgrade to the latest macOS.
When your Mac is connected to a Personal Hotspot, large updates don't download automatically.

macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.

Update Old Mac Operating System

Check compatibility

macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers:

MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.

If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, macOS Big Sur requires 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, macOS Big Sur requires 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.

Make a backup

Before installing any upgrade, it's a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.

Get connected

It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you're using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.

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. Freemake video grabber mac.

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.

Begin installation

After downloading, the installer opens automatically.

Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.

If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.

Allow installation to complete

How Do You Upgrade Your Mac Operating System Without

Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.

Stay up to date

After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. You can also use Software Update to check for updates: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update.

Or get macOS Big Sur automatically

If you're using OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 or later and your App Store preferences or Software Update preferences are set to download new updates when available, macOS Big Sur will download conveniently in the background, making it even easier to upgrade. A notification will inform you when macOS Big Sur is ready to be installed. Click Install to get started, or dismiss the notification to install later. When you're ready to install, just open the file named Install macOS Big Sur from your Applications folder.

Learn more

How Do You Upgrade Your Mac Operating System Software

If the installer shows a list of apps that are not optimized for your Mac, learn about 32-bit app compatibility, then choose whether to proceed with the installation.
For the strongest security and latest features, upgrade to macOS Big Sur. If you have hardware or software that isn't compatible with Big Sur, you might be able to install an earlier macOS.
You can also use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.