We can provide more specific advice if we know more about your computer model, year, and specifications. Note the difference between an update and an upgrade. The various ways of checking for software may only show updates to the current main system version you are running (e.g., 10.4.8 -> 10.4.11), not upgrades to a higher system version such as a jump from El Capitan (10.11) to Catalina (10.15).

Use this app to discover which apps you haveĪre 32bit, then contact the developers of the software to see Some updates may be free, some may be paid.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps, If you are considering upgrading to Catalina or Big Sur be warned they do not support 32bit apps. How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support If you want to or are able to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below. Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'. Go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app. If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app Then go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.īefore upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.Ĭheck that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.Ĭheck that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.Ĭonnect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.ĭo not use your mac while it is downloadingĪnd do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection. Go to Check Compatibility to see if your mac qualifies for the OS upgrade you want. How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support Which OS you can upgrade to will be governed by which model and year your mac is.Ĭlick on the  top left of your screen click on About This Mac to find out the year of your mac. The App Store Updates page only informs you of updates available for the OS you are running.

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