I have a OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 right now. I haven't updated in a long time. I want to update to the latest version, but i'm not sure if i'm compatible with the new Big Sur. What is the best version for me to download?
MacBook Pro 15″, OS X 10.11
Most if not all options appear in this link, even Big Sur.
• How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683
You may need to see info in another article link:
• How to create a bootable installer for mac OS - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372
Depending on the 'build year version' of your MacBook Pro 15-inch
details in the first article above may help. Catalina or Big Sur may be
within reach; however these may be bridge-too-far, for older MB/Pro.
Both Catalina and Big Sur will not support older 32-Bit software/drivers.
Any applications or peripheral devices using these old drivers, won't work.
Later newer 64-bit software and drivers may exist for products you use.
See what applications and drivers may not be suitable for newer 64-bit macOS.
(Mojave 10.14.6 is the last macOS which supports both 32-bit & 64-bit software.)
• Go64: Check your Apps and Prepare for 64-bit World | stclairsoft
https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/index.html
"A fast, free way to get a comprehensive look at your 64-bit app
compatibility... avoid surprises before installing macOS Catalina."
— Macworld
"Go64 makes it easy to plan for the future. ~ And yes, it's FREE!"
There are other details that may need attending to that are not
addressed in this brief; use 'About this Mac' under Apple icon in
your Mac's upper left main menu bar to check build specs there.
Good luck & happy computing!
🌞🌿⛵️🌤🎣🏕⛄️🍀🙃🌻
Most if not all options appear in this link, even Big Sur.
• How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683
You may need to see info in another article link:
• How to create a bootable installer for mac OS - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372
Depending on the 'build year version' of your MacBook Pro 15-inch
details in the first article above may help. Catalina or Big Sur may be
within reach; however these may be bridge-too-far, for older MB/Pro.
Both Catalina and Big Sur will not support older 32-Bit software/drivers.
Any applications or peripheral devices using these old drivers, won't work.
Later newer 64-bit software and drivers may exist for products you use.
See what applications and drivers may not be suitable for newer 64-bit macOS.
(Mojave 10.14.6 is the last macOS which supports both 32-bit & 64-bit software.)
• Go64: Check your Apps and Prepare for 64-bit World | stclairsoft
https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/index.html
"A fast, free way to get a comprehensive look at your 64-bit app
compatibility... avoid surprises before installing macOS Catalina."
— Macworld
"Go64 makes it easy to plan for the future. ~ And yes, it's FREE!"
There are other details that may need attending to that are not
addressed in this brief; use 'About this Mac' under Apple icon in
your Mac's upper left main menu bar to check build specs there.
Good luck & happy computing!
🌞🌿⛵️🌤🎣🏕⛄️🍀🙃🌻
Updating OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
