in system preferences i don't see it, since I've updated to the el capititian and now i don't see it. i also wonld like to update to big sur? thanks
iMac 27″, OS X 10.11
Installing Big Sur is an upgrade, not an update. If your computer is a recent enough model to accept an upgrade to Big Sur, you can access it at this link: Big Sur
You should be able to locate upgrade links in the Apple App Store.
The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.
Tips How to Upgrade to Big Sur
With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install. Make sure to use Only Safari to commence the download as Others may not work
Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina and Big Sur Only support 64 bit and there is no workaround.
Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation
System Preferences> Software Update did not come to the mac until macOS Mojave 10.14 was released.
Installing a newer OS 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.
If you find your mac can upgrade to the newer OS's like macOS Mojave 10.14, macOS Catalina 10.15,
macOs Big Sur 11.5 I would recommend you upgrade to macOS High Sierra 10.13 first.
For older macOS High Sierra, Mojave or Catalina,
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.
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.
where do i find software update?
