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Can I upgrade from Big Sur 11.6 to Big Sur 11.7.6 in one download?

I was recently given an iMac Retina 5k 27 inch 2020 computer from a friend of the family, but I noticed that the macOS was never upgraded from Big Sur 11.6 to at least the last Big Sur 11.7.6 upgrade. I am wondering if for now I can just upgrade from Big Sur 11.6 to Big Sur 11.7.6 in one download instead of just each individual upgrade or should I just go from here on to Monterey and then on to Ventura or can I even do that without the Big Sur upgrades? What's the best way of approaching this?

Posted on Jul 7, 2023 1:32 PM

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Posted on Jul 7, 2023 2:00 PM

To get the latest Big Sur Update, go to Apple > System Preferences > Software Update, then wait until you see more shows up in blue under the Ventura Upgrade.


The other option, is to just go ahead and Upgrade to Ventura.

12 replies

Jul 7, 2023 9:10 PM in response to Paul NYC

This seems to be a Mac that needs to be reset before use.


Here is how:


Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings - Apple Support


Here is what the seller is supposed to do:


What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support


If you don’t erase and re-install, you will have issues with app updates and other details, as the macOS install and other apps installed will all be tied to an Apple ID that is not yours. And a Mac that may well be locked to a different Apple ID via Activation Lock, which tends to end badly.


Jul 7, 2023 9:54 PM in response to Paul NYC

Paul NYC wrote:

I'm pretty sure that the original owner had this done, but I will double check to make sure that it was done before I attempt anything. Thank you for pointing this out!


There’s normally a setup procedure during first boot, where you’ll enter info such as country, language, your name, password, Wi-Fi, etc.


This stuff: Set up your iMac - Apple Support


If that sequence happened, your install is yours, and you can get a backup, and upgrade to current Ventura.




Jul 8, 2023 9:23 AM in response to Paul NYC

Paul NYC wrote:

That didn't happen when I first turned on the computer. The original owner did give me his password, so I'll have to do the factory reset myself. Thanks again.


Yeah; if that didn’t happen, you’re headed for “fun”. The owner will also have to relinquish Activation Lock—which can be done remotely, see previous links—or you’ll have another “fun” awaiting.

Jul 8, 2023 11:12 AM in response to Paul NYC

When you click on the Apple logo then about this Mac and software update what does it say? There may be some incremental updates you can install besides going to the next OS upgrade. However, should be no issue you moving up to Ventura but just be aware of the new user interface which is different from Big Sur or Monterey.

Can I upgrade from Big Sur 11.6 to Big Sur 11.7.6 in one download?

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