Mac Update

Back up your data, check your applications for compatibility, and depending on which iMac model you have, download El Capitan or High Sierra.

El Capitan should be downloaded from Apple Support instead of the Mac App Store, and none of the older OS versions will appear when searching the App Store.

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Willgezus Said:

"Mac Update: Im trying to update my iMac mid 2009 from OS X Yosemite 10.10.5 to the latest version if possible but don't know how."

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Big Sur is not an Option:

The latest you can go is El Capitan. You Mac's does not have the hardware specifications required for Sierra and thereafter.

Go Here: OS X El Capitan - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

The first thing you might want to do is to go to the website www.everymac.com to check exactly which model you have. You check About this computer to the upper left,  menu item. After that you can google for solutions as there might be workarounds available in order to run some later OS version. This stuff is a little bit advanced so you might want to check how much memory you have and if installing an SSD drive is something you might dare / know how to do. This gives older machines a much improved (needed, really) performance.

Upgrading RAM and/or an SSD does not result in a change to the Mac’s limitations of which OS versions it can run. “Workarounds” are not recommended.

Also remember that, if yours is from 2009, you need to decide how much - if any - additional money should be spent on an outdated and obsolete 11 - 12 year old device. It may be best to save that money for the purchase of a newer machine.

Hello! Your iMac can be updated to El Capitan, but not Sierra and the newest OSs. In order to update. visit the Mac App Store and search "El Capitan" on the search bar.

I hope you have a great day!