I went to update my Mac software through my setting preferences but there is no update software button to click update.
I currently have Version 10.12.6 - but want to upgrade. Even when going to the App Store I can't find the update. Please help! :)
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.12
ef2jones Said:
"Unable to update software: I went to update my Mac software through my setting preferences but there is no update software button to click update. I currently have Version 10.12.6 - but want to upgrade. Even when going to the App Store I can't find the update. Please help! :)"
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Determining which macOS(s) can be Upgraded:
I. Verify Compatibility:
A. Start Here: Learn About Compatibility and how to Identify your Specific Mac Model - Apple Support
B. How to Verify:
I. Reveal your Model:
What is the Model of your Mac? To find out...
then...
II. Compare the Results:
See if the Model you found is shown here:
III. If Compatible:
Back Up your Mac First: Be certain you Create a Time Machine Backup of your Mac, so that way you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reconfiguration.
ef2jones Said:
"Unable to update software: I went to update my Mac software through my setting preferences but there is no update software button to click update. I currently have Version 10.12.6 - but want to upgrade. Even when going to the App Store I can't find the update. Please help! :)"
-------
Determining which macOS(s) can be Upgraded:
I. Verify Compatibility:
A. Start Here: Learn About Compatibility and how to Identify your Specific Mac Model - Apple Support
B. How to Verify:
I. Reveal your Model:
What is the Model of your Mac? To find out...
then...
II. Compare the Results:
See if the Model you found is shown here:
III. If Compatible:
Back Up your Mac First: Be certain you Create a Time Machine Backup of your Mac, so that way you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reconfiguration.
ef2jones Said:
"Thanks - I already know my Mac's hardware requirements. My issue is that nowhere in the App Store or in my settings can I update my software. There is no update even though I haven't updated my software in years."
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Use a USB Bootable Installer:
Go Here: How to Create a Bootable Installer for macOS - Apple Support
Note that the farthest you can go back is High Sierra. The USB Bootable Installer will have the last updates made for the macOS.
So, what to do...
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.
macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements
macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements
macOS Mojave 10.14 hardware requirements
macOS High Sierra 10.13 hardware requirements
macOS Sierra 10.12 hardware requirements
OS X El Capitan - Technical Specifications
Caution - jumping over all the newer versions and directly to Big Sur / Monterey on Qualifying computers is Technically possible - there are those who have attempted and were successful. Then there are those who attempted and had less than good results.
If this is a Production or Mission Critical Set-up - a more prudent and measure approach is suggested.
The above is from observations on the Apple Support Community Forums and IMHO
Tips Big Sir Upgrade Released Nov 2020
Tips Monterey Upgrade Released Oct 25, 2021
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
Thanks - I already know my Mac's hardware requirements. My issue is that nowhere in the App Store or in my settings can I update my software. There is no update even though I haven't updated my software in years.
Unable to update software
