Best upgrade for Mojave on MacBook Pro 2019

rotemmay wrote:

Hi!

I just got hired for an online job and the company uses Microsoft 365 for businesses. As part of the requirements for Mac OS that they sent me, one is that I need to be running one of the three most recent MacOS versions (so either Ventura, Monterey, or Big Sur).

My Mac is a 2019 MacBook Pro (13 inch, 2 Thunderbolt, 3 Port) and I'm using Mojave (version 10.14.6). So, obviously, I'll need to upgrade the system.

My question is, which of the latest 3 versions is going to be the smoothest to install and operate on my Mac and have less likelihood of having kinks and issues? I haven't done that great in the past with system upgrades so I'm terrified that something is going to go wrong and my Mac will be unworkable (and I don't have time right now to start to schlep it around town to get it fixed or money to get a new one). I'm doing my research, of course, and I'll be doing everything necessary (like backing up my hard drive in 2 places, etc) but I wanted to get some opinions here about what system might be best to upgrade.

Thank you!

Tam

I would run the most recent... why wouldn't you(?)

The current stable release of Ventura including bug fixes, security updates is macOS Ventura 13.4.1c

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

macOS Ventura is compatible with these computers

macOS Upgrade Ventura - Apple

rotemmay wrote:

Thanks, Leroy. The reason why I'm asking is because I was concerned that since there were 3 other upgrades between Mojave and Ventura, it might be risky to upgrade directly from one to the other. I haven't upgraded my Macbook system (not just this one but previous ones) for years and I recall it was a big risk to jump upgrades like that in the past. So I was just concerned.

stair step your way up if it makes you feel better.

It use to be 2 jumps at a time was recommended— I do not necessarily see the same recommendation today.

You are past the "big" changes that came along.

Staying current along the way (baby steps) allows you to embrace all the UI features that get introduced yes, and makes the changes more palatable compared to one giant leap. If you are not going to hang out with past macOS— I would not.

Always advised to have current backups of user data. If you have no user data nothing to loose(?)

If you value your user data

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite. 

More than one device, more than one backup methodology.

The most trouble free way to move to a new machine,  is using the Setup Assistant on the initial boot of a brand new machine— you have one shot here. Set up your MacBook Pro - Apple Support

The second best way is use the Migration Assistant.

How to move your content to a new Mac Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support

The upgrade to the next version, Catalina, begins to enforce the "no 32-bit Apps allowed" philosophy. Really old Apps may break.

next, MacOS 11 Big Sur adds Locked Signed, Sealed System Volume, which adds complexity internally, but should be of no consequence to the computer owner.

Later versions continue to converge the iOS and MacOS interfaces, but for Intel Macs, do not have major new 'Must have' features that I ever needed.