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Late 2013 iMac 21.5 inch using OS X Yosemite- need to upgrade

Hello-

I have late 2013 iMac 21.5 inch desktop that is currently using OS X Yosemite. (I own a newer iMac, but I need to upgrade this computer for my child.)

I do not think I can upgrade to Big Sur??

What can I upgrade to, and how do I access a former software? Thank you


iMac 21.5″, OS X 10.10

Posted on Oct 11, 2021 3:43 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 12, 2021 1:34 AM

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.


With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install.  For Best results use Safari to commence the download as Others may not work.


macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers and sorry, not listed for Big Sur


As @Niel has already listed, this machine Qualifies for those newer versions of macOS.



Make Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS


Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina & Big Sur supports only 64 bit and there is no workaround.


Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.


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

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 12, 2021 1:34 AM in response to Minimac1234

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.


With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install.  For Best results use Safari to commence the download as Others may not work.


macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers and sorry, not listed for Big Sur


As @Niel has already listed, this machine Qualifies for those newer versions of macOS.



Make Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS


Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina & Big Sur supports only 64 bit and there is no workaround.


Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.


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

Late 2013 iMac 21.5 inch using OS X Yosemite- need to upgrade

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