You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

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

Cant upgrade to macOS Catalina

Im having some issues on my sister’s computer. Right now the software version is macOS Sierra 10.12.6. When I go to software updates it takes me to App Store and says that there are no updates available. She has a MacBook Air so macOS Catalina should be compatible. I tried downloading Catalina right from the app store. I downloaded it, and after installation the mac crashed. We couldn’t log in, it would reset as soon as we typed the password. I went on recovery mode, and the macintosh HD driver was not mounted for some reason. I mounted, reseted, and was able to log in, but now it is still on macOS Sierra, nothing changed. I’m afraid to try to install again, and the mac is still not recognizing software update by its own. What should i do?

Posted on Sep 4, 2020 1:50 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 5, 2020 10:34 PM

Sani1357 Said:

"Cant upgrade to macOS Catalina: Im having some issues on my sister’s computer. Right now the software version is macOS Sierra 10.12.6. When I go to software updates it takes me to App Store and says that there are no updates available."

-------


Perform this: Update to High Sierra First

To do so, you have to first backup your Mac, then erase the hard drive, then install High Sierra. Once Installed, perform the upgrade to Catalina.


Once Catalina is installed: Migrate it Over from the Time Machine Backup you Created.


5 Steps:

  1. First: create a Time Machine Backup (TMB) of your current Mac.
  2. Erase: your Disk
  3. Install: High Sierra
  4. Upgrade: to Catalina
  5. Migrate: Items over using Migration Assistant



5 Steps In Depth:

1. Back up your Mac:

Create a Time Machine backup of your Mac, so that you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the transfer.


2. Erase your Disk

  1. Boot: into Recovery Mode
  2. Go to: Disk Utility
  3. Erase: the hard drive


3. Install High Sierra:

Create and use a High Sierra USB Bootable Installer. Use a USB Flash Drive of 16GB to create it.


4. Upgrade to Catalina:

Go Here: How to Upgrade to macOS Catalina - Apple Support


5. Migrate and Reinstall Data and Apps:

Next migrate it over from the Time Machine Backup you created in Step 1.


Note: Some of your apps may not work with macOS Catalina, if they are not 64-bit. If something does not run in the new install, request from the developers new keys for the software. Inform them that your Mac has crashed, and that they give you the installation files you need (Ask for 64-bit installers).

Similar questions

9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 5, 2020 10:34 PM in response to Sani1357

Sani1357 Said:

"Cant upgrade to macOS Catalina: Im having some issues on my sister’s computer. Right now the software version is macOS Sierra 10.12.6. When I go to software updates it takes me to App Store and says that there are no updates available."

-------


Perform this: Update to High Sierra First

To do so, you have to first backup your Mac, then erase the hard drive, then install High Sierra. Once Installed, perform the upgrade to Catalina.


Once Catalina is installed: Migrate it Over from the Time Machine Backup you Created.


5 Steps:

  1. First: create a Time Machine Backup (TMB) of your current Mac.
  2. Erase: your Disk
  3. Install: High Sierra
  4. Upgrade: to Catalina
  5. Migrate: Items over using Migration Assistant



5 Steps In Depth:

1. Back up your Mac:

Create a Time Machine backup of your Mac, so that you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the transfer.


2. Erase your Disk

  1. Boot: into Recovery Mode
  2. Go to: Disk Utility
  3. Erase: the hard drive


3. Install High Sierra:

Create and use a High Sierra USB Bootable Installer. Use a USB Flash Drive of 16GB to create it.


4. Upgrade to Catalina:

Go Here: How to Upgrade to macOS Catalina - Apple Support


5. Migrate and Reinstall Data and Apps:

Next migrate it over from the Time Machine Backup you created in Step 1.


Note: Some of your apps may not work with macOS Catalina, if they are not 64-bit. If something does not run in the new install, request from the developers new keys for the software. Inform them that your Mac has crashed, and that they give you the installation files you need (Ask for 64-bit installers).

Cant upgrade to macOS Catalina

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.