Updating to Big Sur

Question

Updating to Big Sur

I have an early 2015 Macbook air 13". I updated the software ages ago to El Capitan. When I click on software update in 'about this mac' it doesn't come up with Big Sur - just says np uodates available. So my first question is, if I do a complete reset to factory settings, I think it will come up as Lion (which I think was the original OS. From there, will I be able to update to Big Sur? Also, if I do that will it still be on factory settings ('m upgrading to a new machine and will eventually sell this one on. )

Posted on Dec 31, 2021 5:03 AM

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Answer 1

Jack-19

Level 8

46,278 points

Dec 31, 2021 5:05 AM in response to alisonfromulverston

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.

Actually, you can upgrade to the newest version of the Mac operating system, macOS Monterey. Follow these steps: How to upgrade to macOS Monterey - Apple Support. Make sure you have a backup first!

Jack

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Answer 2

kaz-k

Level 9

51,354 points

Dec 31, 2021 5:09 AM in response to alisonfromulverston

Hi,

You can download Big Sur from following site.

https://apps.apple.com/app/macos-big-sur/id1526878132?mt=12

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Answer 3

kaz-k

Level 9

51,354 points

Dec 31, 2021 5:20 AM in response to alisonfromulverston

Just download Monterey installer from Mac App Store and install it.

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Answer 4

Jack-19

Level 8

46,278 points

Dec 31, 2021 7:02 AM in response to alisonfromulverston

You should upgrade to macOS Monterey. Then follow these steps: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support.

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Answer 5

Jack-19

Level 8

46,278 points

Dec 31, 2021 5:15 AM in response to alisonfromulverston

alisonfromulverston wrote:

But I need to reset to factory settings first? Is that correct? It doesn't show as an option on my existing El Capitan OS.

Yes, you can upgrade. Your Mac is supported.

And no, there is no need to factory reset first.

Jack

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Answer 6

Jack-19

Level 8

46,278 points

Dec 31, 2021 5:20 AM in response to alisonfromulverston

You need to follow the steps here: How to upgrade to macOS Monterey - Apple Support.

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Answer 7

Jack-19

Level 8

46,278 points

Dec 31, 2021 5:27 AM in response to alisonfromulverston

When you are ready to sell or trade in, just follow these steps: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support. It should stay on macOS Monterey.

Jack

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Answer 8

Dec 31, 2021 5:25 AM in response to Jack-19

Thanks so much for your help. Just one more question. If I upgrade and then reset to factory settings, ready to sell the MacBook, will it then revert to the original? And if so, can I upgrade it again without actually registering my details etc? So it will have the new OS available immediately for a new owner, but he/she will set it all up from scratch?

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Answer 9

Dec 31, 2021 6:59 AM in response to Jack-19

Thanks so much. This is really appreciated, but I'm still not sure when to do what, as I haven't installed Monteray for myself and don't intend to in this machine, except to put it on for the new owner. So I'm still a little unclear as the links you send talk about re-installing Monteray. Sorry if that's not clear but I don't want to test anything or try anything until my new Mac arrives and I've transferred everything over to it.

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Answer 10

Jan 19, 2022 11:40 AM in response to Jack-19

THanks so much for all your help with this. I have just one more question (I hope) I have installed Monteray now and reinstalled MacOS as described by starting up with the Command and R keys held down. But the what to do before you sell your mac link says to do all sorts of things like signing out of various apps etc. Is this not all done already? It comes up as a new computer screen so if I just press command-q and then shut down. Is all my data erased?

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