New MacBook migration

I have a new MacBook and want to use migration to transfer and set up from my old MacBook.

the new has older software than my original Mac.

how do I update the IOS on the new one prior to setup?

thanks!

MacBook, OS X 10.11

Posted on May 28, 2022 2:43 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 28, 2022 3:02 PM

Hello!


Here’s how to update your Mac:

 

1.     Identify your Mac’s Model.

Click on the  menu at the top left corner of your screen and select “About this Mac”. You should be able to see your MacBook’s model - e.g., “MacBook Air (M1, 2020)”.

 

For a more detailed guide, check this:

Find the model and serial number of your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

 

 

2.    Identify what version of macOS your computer is currently running.

In the “About your Mac” menu, above the model, you can see your MacBook’s current OS version - e.g., “macOS Monterey - Version 12.4”.

 

For a more detailed guide, check this:

Find out which macOS your Mac is using - Apple Support

 

 

3.    Find the latest version of macOS your MacBook supports.

Visit this guide, locate your model and confirm what the latest supported OS version is. 

 

 

4.    Create a backup.

It is recommended that you create a backup, either using Time Machine, or via another method. This way you can ensure that, if something goes wrong during the update, you will be able to restore your system to its previous state and not lose any data. 

 

Here’s how to:

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Other ways to back up and restore files – Apple Support (UK)

 

 

5.    Check for updates.

Open your device’s “System Preferences” ( and then “System Preferences”) and select “Software Update”. This will check if there is an update available for your system. If the message “Your Mac is up to date” is displayed, but you are not running the latest macOS version, according to the guide above, try pressing command + R to refresh.

If the message persists, open the App Store ( and then “App Store”) and search for the latest macOS version (e.g. “macOS Monterey”). Choose the app and select “get”. This should open System Preferences and immediately prompt you to download the selected version.  

 

Here’s how to update, and how to tackle potential issues:

Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

If an error occurred while updating or installing macOS - Apple Support

 

Here’s some help on how to keep your Mac up to date:

Keep your Mac up to date – Apple Support (UK)

 


If you can, update your old Mac as well. Try to match the two devices' macOS versions for a smoother migration experience.


Hope this helps!

-flef


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 28, 2022 3:02 PM in response to Wanahini

Hello!


Here’s how to update your Mac:

 

1.     Identify your Mac’s Model.

Click on the  menu at the top left corner of your screen and select “About this Mac”. You should be able to see your MacBook’s model - e.g., “MacBook Air (M1, 2020)”.

 

For a more detailed guide, check this:

Find the model and serial number of your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

 

 

2.    Identify what version of macOS your computer is currently running.

In the “About your Mac” menu, above the model, you can see your MacBook’s current OS version - e.g., “macOS Monterey - Version 12.4”.

 

For a more detailed guide, check this:

Find out which macOS your Mac is using - Apple Support

 

 

3.    Find the latest version of macOS your MacBook supports.

Visit this guide, locate your model and confirm what the latest supported OS version is. 

 

 

4.    Create a backup.

It is recommended that you create a backup, either using Time Machine, or via another method. This way you can ensure that, if something goes wrong during the update, you will be able to restore your system to its previous state and not lose any data. 

 

Here’s how to:

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Other ways to back up and restore files – Apple Support (UK)

 

 

5.    Check for updates.

Open your device’s “System Preferences” ( and then “System Preferences”) and select “Software Update”. This will check if there is an update available for your system. If the message “Your Mac is up to date” is displayed, but you are not running the latest macOS version, according to the guide above, try pressing command + R to refresh.

If the message persists, open the App Store ( and then “App Store”) and search for the latest macOS version (e.g. “macOS Monterey”). Choose the app and select “get”. This should open System Preferences and immediately prompt you to download the selected version.  

 

Here’s how to update, and how to tackle potential issues:

Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

If an error occurred while updating or installing macOS - Apple Support

 

Here’s some help on how to keep your Mac up to date:

Keep your Mac up to date – Apple Support (UK)

 


If you can, update your old Mac as well. Try to match the two devices' macOS versions for a smoother migration experience.


Hope this helps!

-flef


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