El Capitan, Yosemite and Mavericks, or versions 10.11, 10.10 and 10.9, respectively, should all be avoided. There are also some versions of macOS that users should just avoid altogether. You’ll also be able to access any other updates that may be available for your system at this time. For those who want to make sure they always have the latest upgrade, make sure to check the box here that says “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” You might already have the latest version of macOS downloaded and installed to your system. If you’ve previously opted for automatic updates, note that this download will occur automatically.
Alternatively, you can navigate to your Mac’s System Preferences, go to the Software Update option and click the “Upgrade Now” button to begin the upgrade. This includes operating system updates, so you’ll be able to make the upgrade to the newest operating system from here.
You’ll also see information regarding your model’s year, the chip it uses, the amount of memory in your system and the machine’s serial number.įrom here, click on the “Software Update” button to connect to the official Apple servers and check for any available upgrades. The very first line will give you the name of your specific macOS followed by the version number on the next line. To verify your current macOS installation, simply click on the Apple logo on the menu bar and navigate to “About This Mac” in the dropdown menu. While this might not mean much to the average user, especially if you’re new to Macs, those who are established and already have a library of Mac-specific software will want to ensure compatibility before making the upgrade.
Catalina and Big Sur, which are Mac’s latest operating systems, are only compatible with 64-bit software. Additionally, Mojave isn’t compatible with any MacBook Pro prior to 2012.ĭepending on your specific system, there might be other hardware or even software limitations to consider, too.
Mac systems with PowerPC CPUs, for example, aren’t compatible with any version of macOS that was designed for the newer, Intel-based systems. Keep in mind, however, that some devices are not compatible with certain operating systems. However, with so many different operating systems available, you might be better off switching to another. After all, the device was likely designed with that OS in mind, so it makes sense to assume it’s the best possible option. Most Mac users are perfectly happy with the operating system that comes pre-installed on their laptop or desktop computer.