- This is part of a series of tips from 10.2 through 10.11 (10.6 through 10.11 not mentioned above links as 10.5.8 is the end of the line for all Macs with 10.3 that support up to 10.5.8), which all refer to Mac OS X Client. The server version of Mac OS X may have different requirements in which the Server forum is better able to answer.
- Jul 13, 2020 Mac Won’t Update? If your Mac simply won’t update, it’s likely a hardware issue. As we noted, you’ll need 4GB RAM and 12.5GB storage to update your Mac. If you don’t have at least that, you will be unable to run the latest version of macOS. Your Mac may also be too old.
- As of the December 2020 (build 16.44) update for Microsoft 365 for Mac or Office 2019 for Mac, macOS 10.14 Mojave or later is required to receive updates to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.
Mac Os Upgrade To Catalina
Mac Won’t Update? If your Mac simply won’t update, it’s likely a hardware issue. As we noted, you’ll need 4GB RAM and 12.5GB storage to update your Mac. If you don’t have at least that, you will be unable to run the latest version of macOS. Your Mac may also be too old. The model must have at least 2 GB of memory, 8 GB of hard disk space, Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or higher and must be one of these models: iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminium, or Early 2009 or newer) MacBook Pro (Late 2007 or newer) MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) Mac Mini (Early 2009 or newer) Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer).
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.
Apple Upgrades For Mac
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.
Do you use a Mac computer? If so, you know the promise that you’ll get to upgrade your Mac annually is one of the most exciting things about Mac ownership. This has been true since Apple made the operating system for the Macintosh computer free, and started issuing a new version each fall.
While many Mac owners love the frequent updates, confusion over the best way to upgrade a Mac is still common. Today, we’re going to break down that topic and provide some answers once and for all.
Mac Installer Drives: Upgrade Your Mac the Smart Way
Ask most Mac experts, and they’ll tell you that the best way to upgrade your Mac OS is by starting fresh. This typically involves purchasing a Mac OS Installer Drive, which is available in the App Store. Designed to limit the unwanted files and obsolete drivers that so commonly accompany clickable updates, a Mac Installer Drive allows you to create a bootable Mac OS install.
As is true any time you update, change, or alter your computer, be sure to do a full data backup first. This prevents the risk of losing your data to an accidental misformatting or losing files as you delete unneeded “junk” from your computer later. Remember to use at least two separate backup methods: one online and one offline.
How to Install a New Clickable OS
Prefer to stick with the traditional update method? If you’ve never installed a new OS before, or you want to save as much time as possible in doing it, follow these steps:
1. Launch the App Store
The first step in downloading your new OS is simply to launch the App Store. This is where new downloads live, and where you’ll find them if you’ve been ignoring the “new download” popups on your computer. Again, you’ll want to backup your data before you initiate the download process.
Once you’ve backed up all your files, click “download” to start the download process.
2. Follow the Prompts
From here, the download assistant will prompt you to do things like enter your Apple ID information, follow launch instructions, and choose a destination for the file. Follow these prompts to ensure a correct install.
This process does take about half an hour for most Macs, so you’ll want to make sure you set aside at least that much time to finish the job.
3. See a Pro If You Need Help
While installing a clickable OS is a pretty simple process, it can get difficult, and many customers need the help of a professional Mac repair team to complete it. This isn’t anything to be ashamed of!
Know how to do a clickable install, but interested in going the route of the Mac Installer Drive, instead? A good team of professionals can help you quickly and easily.
While a clickable download will be faster and more efficient, an Installer Drive download will only transfer the newest system files, which will keep your Mac feeling quick and new.
At the end of the day, the route you take is up to you. No matter what you decide, a good Fort Worth computer tech can help you reach your end goal.
Update Your Mac The Most Efficient Way Possible
Whether you want to use a traditional clickable download to update your Mac OS or get a little more advanced with an Installer Drive, you should be aware that you have options. If you get stuck at any point during the process or realize that you have additional Mac computer needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Computer CPR – your trusted local Mac experts.