Updating MAC MINI
pulled out of closet.. Mini5.1 has Yosemite 10.10.5 but research says I can go up to SIERA - tried to download El Capitan but it won't download - HELP me to update as far as possible before APKPLE dumps me out totally
Question marked as
The build model you state suggests (mactracker) High Sierra 10.13.x can be run.
Whether or not any other update (or interim firmware step?) is another matter.
Mac mini 5.1 (Mid 2011) • Maximum OS macOS 10.13.6 (17G65)
Maximum Memory 16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots 2 - 204-pin PC-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
Model Identifier Macmini5,1 (2.3 GHz) Macmini5,2 (2.5 or 2.7 GHz)
Model Number A1347
EMC 2442
There should be no reason why El Capitan or Sierra, or even High Sierra cannot run.
Sometimes if you haven't the correct link to mac app store, the installer downloader
won't load; and then no joy may result. ~ When it can work, expect up hours elapse.
Several older Support links to get macOS versions have been depreciated; some will
revert the version to latest Mojave 10.14; while a few I have bookmarked are correct.
This one still directs to correct/working High Sierra 10.13.x installer download links.
(I'd downloaded ahead, some time ago; and saved this version about 2+ yrs ago.)
• How to upgrade macOS High Sierra - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208969
(The active link for installer file from within above page: Get macOS High Sierra.
And older versions indicate links here for their installers: Sierra or El Capitan.)
You may have to start in 'Safe' mode and run that, to see if it helps; before trying
to run the macOS installer/s. ~ You may need to restart to get out of Safe mode.
• Use 'safe mode' to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262