You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: Rookie2bas
Rookie2bas Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Problems upgrading a 2013 macbook pro retina to Big Sur (or Catalina)?

Is anyone else having an issue upgrading a late 2013 Macbook Pro Retina to Big Sur or Catalina from Mojave? Apple's site suggest indicates my model should upgrade to either but I have not had success with either, yet.


Big Sur is the only update that shows in the Software Update screen from the apple menu...I tried a combo catalina update file 10.15.7 for Catalina since it seems to be missing from the App stor. Both stops due to an error during installation after an hour or so of processing. I have tried both internet restore and downloading the installer application file and running it from an external startup disk.


Trying to upgrade because TurboTax 2021 this year. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dan

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jan 3, 2022 7:47 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,477 points

Posted on Jan 4, 2022 2:11 AM

It would appear one has attempted to download a NON FULL INSTALLER of Catalina


The Only way to get the Full Version of Catalina >>>>


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.


Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence


Tips Big Sir Upgrade Released Nov 2020


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 & Monterey 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

View in context

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,477 points

Jan 4, 2022 2:11 AM in response to Rookie2bas

It would appear one has attempted to download a NON FULL INSTALLER of Catalina


The Only way to get the Full Version of Catalina >>>>


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.


Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence


Tips Big Sir Upgrade Released Nov 2020


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 & Monterey 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

Reply

Problems upgrading a 2013 macbook pro retina to Big Sur (or Catalina)?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up