Newsroom Updates

> Introducing Apple Intelligence for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

> macOS Sequoia takes productivity and intelligence on Mac to new heights

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: DKSchall
DKSchall Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

updating to a newer operating system

My desktop does not seem to want to let me update to the newest operating system. I have OS X Capitan right now and see that Mac OS Catalina is the newest version but when I try to update to that it says it cannot be installed on this computer. I tried looking for versions between what I have in the newest one even to update to one of those and they are not coming up in the App Store. Can anyone tell me if it’s possible to update my computer to a newer operating system?

iMac 21.5", OS X 10.11

Posted on Mar 26, 2020 4:26 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply
User profile for user: Eau Rouge
Eau Rouge
User level: Level 8
42,554 points

Posted on Mar 26, 2020 5:50 AM

The model and year of your Mac will determine which macOS you can upgrade to,

read the following links.


How to upgrade to macOS Mojave - Apple Support


How to upgrade to macOS High Sierra - Apple Support


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina be warned that it does not support 32bit apps.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps,

some updates may be free, some may be paid. Use this app to discover which apps you have

are 32bit, https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/. Once the list has been created you can then

contact the developers of the apps to see if they provide 64bit updates. 


How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support

View in context

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply
User profile for user: Eau Rouge
Eau Rouge
User level: Level 8
42,554 points

Mar 26, 2020 5:50 AM in response to DKSchall

The model and year of your Mac will determine which macOS you can upgrade to,

read the following links.


How to upgrade to macOS Mojave - Apple Support


How to upgrade to macOS High Sierra - Apple Support


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina be warned that it does not support 32bit apps.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps,

some updates may be free, some may be paid. Use this app to discover which apps you have

are 32bit, https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/. Once the list has been created you can then

contact the developers of the apps to see if they provide 64bit updates. 


How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support

Reply

updating to a newer operating system

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.
Learn more Sign up