how to update to macos catalina 10.15.7
how do I update an old mac (later 2012 imac) to catalina 10.5.7 - I search for system updates and it states that all updates are complete.
iMac 27″, macOS 10.12
Question marked as
Best reply
The App Store Updates page only informs you of updates available for the OS you are running.
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.
As 2012 iMac mac can upgrade to the newer OS's like macOS Mojave 10.14 and macOS Catalina 10.15,
I would recommend you upgrade to macOS High Sierra 10.13 first.
For High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina,
Open Safari and click on this link,
How to get older versions of macOS
Go to Check Compatibility to see if your mac qualifies for the OS upgrade you want.
Then go to the Use Safari to download macOS 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 are considering upgrading to Catalina 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 free 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.