My macBook Pro (2017) is running High Sierra and it won't allow me to upgrade the software. I keep getting the error message "recovery server could not be contacted" I need to at least install Catalina so that I can install my VPN. I've troubleshooted everything suggested online - internet connection, date/time sync., etc. I am reading that this is a common problem, and my system tells me there are no updates available, which is nonsense.
MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)
To be clear, in the world of Macs, software update is a revision of the macOS currently running on the Mac; update Catalina 10.15.1 to Catalina 10.15.7, for example.
To update your current macOS, click the Apple icon > About This Mac and then click Software Updates.... If there are any updates available for your Mac, they will be listed and you can apply them when you like. Software updates may be set to occur automatically. If no updates are presented, then it may be assumed that none are available for your current OS.
A software upgrade replaces the current macOS with a newer, differently named version; upgrade from 10.13 High Sierra to 10.14 Mojave, for example, or from 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur. Upgrades do not happen automatically, They must be initiated by a user with admin privileges.
Use Software Update to update or upgrade macOS, including built-in apps like Safari.
Please see >: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support
❗️ Do NOT upgrade…
until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.
Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine
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 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here
➡️ 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 64-bit compatibility of your apps:
https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/
✅ - IF your Mac is compatible, then download the macOS upgrade installer app:
Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.
Please see > How to download macOS.
To be clear, in the world of Macs, software update is a revision of the macOS currently running on the Mac; update Catalina 10.15.1 to Catalina 10.15.7, for example.
To update your current macOS, click the Apple icon > About This Mac and then click Software Updates.... If there are any updates available for your Mac, they will be listed and you can apply them when you like. Software updates may be set to occur automatically. If no updates are presented, then it may be assumed that none are available for your current OS.
A software upgrade replaces the current macOS with a newer, differently named version; upgrade from 10.13 High Sierra to 10.14 Mojave, for example, or from 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur. Upgrades do not happen automatically, They must be initiated by a user with admin privileges.
Use Software Update to update or upgrade macOS, including built-in apps like Safari.
Please see >: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support
❗️ Do NOT upgrade…
until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.
Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine
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 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here
➡️ 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 64-bit compatibility of your apps:
https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/
✅ - IF your Mac is compatible, then download the macOS upgrade installer app:
Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.
Please see > How to download macOS.
Thank you, this is very helpful. I see that I used the words upgrade and update interchangeably. Regardless, it's when I try to upgrade to any later software that I'm hitting a wall and getting the "recovery server" error message I mentioned.
I do need to upgrade if I want to download my VPN (it requires at least 10.15 Catalina) and I have already backed everything up using time machine. My mac is compatible with the newer versions of macOS, but having those older apps not work anymore is going to be a pain. In hindsight, I think that's why I put off upgrading in the first place, but I'm going to have to do it at some point. What do you suggest I upgrade to?
You're welcome. 🙂
I don't know why you would be getting a recovery server error. I know it happens occasionally. I'm going to drop this link to a slightly aged Community thread on the subject. I hope you can find a nugget of help in it.
Reinstalling - The recovery server could … - Apple Community
Thank you!
You're welcome.
Updating macOS
