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

I have el capitan 10.11.6 and have never upgraded my macbook since I got it in 2015. Having trouble finding the right update,every one I try does not work

Each update I try to do I am met with the same error message "El capitan update cannot be installed on this disk. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update"

Any help would be much appreciated

Posted on Feb 11, 2021 5:11 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 11, 2021 7:46 PM

In your title you say you are running El Capitan 10.11.6, yet in your post it sounds like you are trying to install

El Capitan, "El capitan update cannot be installed on this disk. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update" .


So what exactly are you trying to do.


Do you want to move to another OS, that is called an upgrade.


Which OS you can upgrade to will be governed by which model and year your mac is.

Click on the  top left of your screen click on About This Mac to find out the year of your mac.


For older OS’s,


Open Safari and click on this link, 


How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

Go to Check Compatibility to see if your mac qualifies for the OS upgrade you want.

Then go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

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 want to or are able to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below.

How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina or Big Sur be warned they do 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/ then contact the developers of the software to see

if they are offering 64bit updates.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 11, 2021 7:46 PM in response to slpfirehawk25

In your title you say you are running El Capitan 10.11.6, yet in your post it sounds like you are trying to install

El Capitan, "El capitan update cannot be installed on this disk. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update" .


So what exactly are you trying to do.


Do you want to move to another OS, that is called an upgrade.


Which OS you can upgrade to will be governed by which model and year your mac is.

Click on the  top left of your screen click on About This Mac to find out the year of your mac.


For older OS’s,


Open Safari and click on this link, 


How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

Go to Check Compatibility to see if your mac qualifies for the OS upgrade you want.

Then go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

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 want to or are able to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below.

How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina or Big Sur be warned they do 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/ then contact the developers of the software to see

if they are offering 64bit updates.

I have el capitan 10.11.6 and have never upgraded my macbook since I got it in 2015. Having trouble finding the right update,every one I try does not work

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