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Can Old Mac get New version OS, or is it 'time'

Okay, this may be a simple question but. I have an old desk top computer Sierra 10.12.6 can I update the OS software to a more recent version i.e. Catalina 10.15? Or is it time for a new mac if I want to use new software on this machine. Seems a waste maybe need to take it to the local mac guy for a look-see

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Feb 21, 2022 6:11 PM

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Posted on Feb 22, 2022 2:34 AM

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.


If one gets an Error message in the Apple Store or no ”  Get Button “  Replace the https in the page's address to macappstore. Credit to Contributor @Niel


macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements


macOS Mojave 10.14 hardware requirements


macOS High Sierra 10.13 hardware requirements



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.

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Question marked as Best reply

Feb 22, 2022 2:34 AM in response to Lechien69

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.


If one gets an Error message in the Apple Store or no ”  Get Button “  Replace the https in the page's address to macappstore. Credit to Contributor @Niel


macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements


macOS Mojave 10.14 hardware requirements


macOS High Sierra 10.13 hardware requirements



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.

Feb 21, 2022 6:15 PM in response to Lechien69

Back up your data, check your applications for compatibility, and depending on which iMac model you have, click on High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, or Monterey. If you get a Mac App Store preview page, change the https at the start of its address to macappstore.


Catalina and newer won't run 32-bit software; download and use Go64 to scan for it. To look up other programs, click here.


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Can Old Mac get New version OS, or is it 'time'

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