macbook pro late 2011 will not let me download anything

You can start by updating the OS by going here and finding out the last OS it was compatible with which most likely it was "High Sierra"

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

However, going into 2022, That machine is 11 years old... so, your choice of software will be very limited

willard292 Said:

“macbook pro late 2011 will not let me download anything: I purchased the macbook from a pawn shop not knowing it was problematic. can it be repaired for use or is everything outdated for it?”

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Return It:

Seems like a scam to me (though a full assumption in my part). So, take it back to the pawnshop, and have them fix this. They should have known better.