Issues updating macOS

Back up your data, check the application compatibility table, click here, and if your MacBook Pro is a 2012 or newer model, then on the download link for it. The file you found is an updater and can't be used for a full-version upgrade.

Catalina and above won't run 32-bit software; if you choose one of them, use Go64 as well.

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You have downloaded an OS update from Apples downloads section. Those are intended for manually updating the OS already installed. You need to upgrade your OS from High Sierra.

How to Upgrade  macOS:

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the year your Mac was released.

Click the  (Apple) menu at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac.

Check the Compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS:

➡️ macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here

❗️ – IMPORTANT – None of your 32-bit apps will work in macOS Catalina or newer. This includes MS Office apps and any other older software apps and drivers. These will require that you find 64-bit updates and/or replacement titles.

32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later - Apple Support

Use the free utility Go64 to check the compatibility of your apps:

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

✅ - IF your Mac is compatible, then download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > Catalina.

Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

Please see > How to download macOS.