My Mac is operating with El Capitan but when I click on Software Updates, nothing appears. I would like to update my operating software to Sierra or High Sierra but don't know how to get my Updates to list a newer version.
iMac, OS X 10.11
The App Store Updates page only informs you of updates available for the OS you are currently running.
As you are running an older system then you are probably up to date on that system.
If you want to install a newer OS that is called an Upgrade.
The model and year of your Mac will determine which macOS you can upgrade to,
Please use Safari to access the following links do not use Firefox
How to upgrade to macOS Mojave - Apple Support
How to upgrade to macOS High Sierra - Apple Support
How to upgrade to macOS 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.
Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.
Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.
Do not use your mac while it is downloading
and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.
If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app
go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.
Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.
Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.
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.
The App Store Updates page only informs you of updates available for the OS you are currently running.
As you are running an older system then you are probably up to date on that system.
If you want to install a newer OS that is called an Upgrade.
The model and year of your Mac will determine which macOS you can upgrade to,
Please use Safari to access the following links do not use Firefox
How to upgrade to macOS Mojave - Apple Support
How to upgrade to macOS High Sierra - Apple Support
How to upgrade to macOS 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.
Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.
Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.
Do not use your mac while it is downloading
and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.
If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app
go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.
Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.
Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.
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.
General Requirements
Mac Hardware Requirements
For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, choose About This Mac, then choose More Info. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Sierra:
Feature Requirements
Handoff, Instant Hotspot, and Universal Clipboard
Supported by the following Mac models:
Handoff requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.
Instant Hotspot requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity with a Lightning connector and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.
Auto Unlock
Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.
Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 and an iPhone 5 or later.
Siri
Requires a broadband Internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).
Apple Pay on the Web
Supported by the following Mac models:
Thank you so much for your suggestions - it actually got me the furthest than any other suggestions. Unfortunately, once it finished loading, I clicked to have it down load and I received the following message:
This version of macOS 10.12.6 cannot be installed on this computer. At this point, I have no idea where to go.
Well as written in my post to you,
the model and year of your mac will determine which OS you can upgrade to.
That is on the fourth line.
Then you are asked to click on the links below,
in each Section 1 of these is the Compatibility table,
this describes which macs can upgrade to the respective
OS's. If for example you cannot upgrade to Mojave, look
at High Sierra or Sierra, if your mac does not meet the criteria
for the OS then your mac cannot upgrade any further.
When you made your post asking for help you did so hoping that people would
read your post and give information relevant to your enquiry.
In respect of those that take the time to answer your question, given the fact that you did not
bother to give any details regarding the model and age of your mac then the response given
to you can only be a general response.
It is then incumbent on you to read the details of the response in respect of Section 1 in each
of the How To Guides I posted above. Had you read those thoroughly then you would have
noticed that you would not have been able to upgrade your mac further.
If you had given the relevant details of your mac in respect of model and year you would have got
a direct response that your mac cannot upgrade any further.
Now knowing that you cannot upgrade further on your then you would need to buy a pre-owned mac
that is capable of running Sierra and High Sierra or perhaps Mojave. Or buy a new mac which will come
with macOS Catalina.
when the operating system change name it's not an update it's a new os one get them from mac app store
Problems updating operating software
