Need help in converting my SSD (Mac OS Extended (Journaled)) to APFS

If you go to Recovery Mode > Edit > Convert to AFPS, is it dimmed too?

If yes, you'll probably have to erase the disc, create it APFS from the start and reinstall Catalina from ground zero.

Maybe if you try to install Catalina from a bootable drive and see if it offers the option to make the conversion.

I remember High Sierra had this offering back then when APFS was introduced.

If it's impossible that way, you know, erase de disc and etc.

Yes, I agree, I think that you will have to use Disk Utility to first erase the disk. When you do that it will ask you what new format to use. Once formatted, you can then download the Catalina loader to finish the process. Side note, do not use wi fi to do the download. It often corrupts the file. Use a direct wired ethernet connection. If for some reason that can not be done, then understand that it may take several (long) downloads to get a clean one that does work.

You commented that your computer is now running slower. It is my understanding that Catalina does use more RAM than some of the earlier operating systems and if a person is low on RAM it can make a difference. There are some maintenance functions that we can do which might be helpful, however. Often times there is a specific cause for slowness and other times any of the following actions may be helpful. They are “maintenance” steps which are often ignored by many people.

·      It is important to occasionally restart a Mac. Ideally, once a week or more often. This does some system cleaning.

·      Regularly clearing the history of your browsers can help as all the data is stored in RAM. Clearing frees up RAM for system use. The Chrome browser uses a lot more RAM than other browsers do.

·      Some people seldom empty their trash. If you haven’t, then do so. Also empty your email trash.

·      Some programs use a lot of RAM. (Like many Adobe apps.) When using then, close any other apps not being used.

·      Doing a restart in the safe mode can clear a number of problems. This is done by holding down the shift key at start up. This process can take up to ten minutes while the computer is doing its maintenance and cleans the cache. You may then restart normally.

·      It is also a good idea to periodically run the Disk Utility app. If it reports some issues, then rerun it repeatedly as needed until the final report is ok.

·      On some computers the problem may simply be that there is not enough RAM installed for RAM hungry programs that are being used. The very minimum amount of RAM we would recommend for computers running the Catalina OS is 16 GB. This information is found by going to the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the finder and clicking on About This Mac. Note; not all computers are able to have RAM user installed. Some upgrades must be done by a qualified Apple service specialist , and the cost can be substantial.

·      Last, and most important, you should remove any and all Mac cleaner and anti virus programs. They will cause problems and will significantly slow your computer.

·      It is also very useful to download and install the free app EtreCheck. Be sure to enable full disk access and run it. You can post the results here at the bottom. It will tell us exactly what you have installed which might be problematic.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and enable you to speed up your computer.

Glad you could get it done, man.

I don't think APFS slows down the system, I think it would be more related to Catalina itself. That's not a very good OS, I dare to say. I've been testing Big Sur beta since Beta 2 and it seems a bit faster, snappier and more fluid even in beta.

If you can do a clean install it would be perfect. You'd be able to get the best of a clean system.