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This compter has Sierra. from 2011. how do I upgrade the operating system

I am new to IMAC. It is running on Sierra. this is a 2011 IMAC. Can someone help me? It is loaded with ram and a 2 tb hard drive

Posted on Jan 21, 2021 4:56 PM

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Question marked as Best answer

Yes, I do know it will take Hi Sierra or Mojave.


A 2011 iMac can run no higher macOS than 10.13 "High Sierra."

Posted on Jan 21, 2021 5:57 PM

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Question marked as Helpful

Jan 21, 2021 5:02 PM in response to goodhorsekeeping

These are the instructions to update your Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT20154.


The current newest system (macOS Big Sur 11.0), is incompatible with your device, as it is too old.

This is it's compatibility list:

  • MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
  • MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
  • MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
  • Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
  • iMac introduced in 2014 or later
  • iMac Pro
  • Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later


What you can do is to update your Mac to the newest system it is allowed to do so (I think your Mac should be able to update to macOS Mojave or at least High Sierra).


Best of luck!

6 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Jan 21, 2021 5:02 PM in response to goodhorsekeeping

These are the instructions to update your Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT20154.


The current newest system (macOS Big Sur 11.0), is incompatible with your device, as it is too old.

This is it's compatibility list:

  • MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
  • MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
  • MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
  • Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
  • iMac introduced in 2014 or later
  • iMac Pro
  • Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later


What you can do is to update your Mac to the newest system it is allowed to do so (I think your Mac should be able to update to macOS Mojave or at least High Sierra).


Best of luck!

This compter has Sierra. from 2011. how do I upgrade the operating system

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