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Can't update OS beyond Catalina. Error message says Big Sur and so on are not available.

My OS was very out of date. I finally got it to update to Catalina, but all other operating systems say they are not available. Is there a workaround or a step that I'm missing?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 20, 2023 12:01 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 20, 2023 2:03 AM

Part 1 of 2


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.


Does this computer appear as Listed and qualifying for an upGrade to a newer version of macOS? 


The below links will help identify which version of macOS  this computer may Qualify to run.


Computer Qualifying for macOS 13 Ventura 


Computer Qualify for the Monterey upgrade


macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements


Make Time Machine Backup  is very useful 


Part 2 of 2


If the user whats the latest and greatest versions of macOS, all is not lost.


Explore the Apple Trade-In  Process where the Value of the exiting device could be used against the cost of a new Apple Computer, iPhone or iPad  


Or Shop Refurbished Apple computers at an Apple Reduced Cost


Have used both previously and have been satisfied each time.


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 20, 2023 2:03 AM in response to dottie78

Part 1 of 2


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.


Does this computer appear as Listed and qualifying for an upGrade to a newer version of macOS? 


The below links will help identify which version of macOS  this computer may Qualify to run.


Computer Qualifying for macOS 13 Ventura 


Computer Qualify for the Monterey upgrade


macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements


Make Time Machine Backup  is very useful 


Part 2 of 2


If the user whats the latest and greatest versions of macOS, all is not lost.


Explore the Apple Trade-In  Process where the Value of the exiting device could be used against the cost of a new Apple Computer, iPhone or iPad  


Or Shop Refurbished Apple computers at an Apple Reduced Cost


Have used both previously and have been satisfied each time.


Can't update OS beyond Catalina. Error message says Big Sur and so on are not available.

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