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My MacBook (2017) still has MacOS High Sierra. How do I upgrade to macOS Big Sur? If that is not possible on this device, is there a patch/ upgrade to protect against the new spyware announced today?
MacBook Air
A 2017 MacBook can upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
If you want to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below.
How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support
Make a note of the amount of free storage needed before you can upgrade to Big Sur
If you are considering upgrading to Big Sur be warned it does 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.
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 Big Sur.app.
Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.
Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.
A 2017 MacBook can upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
If you want to install Big Sur, open Safari and click on the link below.
How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support
Make a note of the amount of free storage needed before you can upgrade to Big Sur
If you are considering upgrading to Big Sur be warned it does 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.
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 Big Sur.app.
Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.
Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.
Do NOT upgrade until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.
How to Upgrade macOS:
❗️ – IMPORTANT – Backup your data, now, before you attempt an upgrade.
Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250
❗️ – IMPORTANT – NONE of your 32-bit apps will work in Catalina or Big Sur.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436
Use this free utility to check the compatibility of your apps:
St. Claire Software – Go64: https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/
🖥 – Check compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475
✅ - Using Safari only, download the macOS upgrade installer app:
Click > Mojave, Catalina or Big Sur.
Once downloaded, double-click the installer app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.
Try going to System Preferences>Software Update>Check for Update.
The OP is running macOS High Sierra, System Preferences> Software Update was not a feature in macOS High Sierra.
It first appeared in macOS Mojave 10.14.
Appreciate the clarification!
my MacBook still has Mac OS High Sierra. How do I upgrade to macOS Big Sur?
