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Can't update my MACbook pro OS X El Capitan version 10.11.6

How can I update my MAC book Pro when I am on EL Capital version 10.11.6. The MAC book Pro says no updates are available but I can't open certain programs now because my operating system is too old. Please provide steps on updating from this version.

MacBook Pro 13″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Nov 14, 2023 9:51 AM

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Posted on Nov 16, 2023 11:49 AM

You can upgrade a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) to Monterey, but no further.


macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support


You're on El Capitan, so the upgrade possibilities are

  • Sierra (10.12)
  • High Sierra (10.13)
  • Mojave (10.14)
  • Catalina (10.15)
  • Big Sur (11)
  • Monterey (12)


I wouldn't bother with Catalina or Big Sur – as they'll break 32-bit apps, without being recent enough to run new software from the likes of Adobe and Microsoft.


Monterey should be one of "the most recent three" for about a year, until Sonoma's successor comes out.


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Question marked as Best reply

Nov 16, 2023 11:49 AM in response to twilightgurl1122

You can upgrade a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) to Monterey, but no further.


macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support


You're on El Capitan, so the upgrade possibilities are

  • Sierra (10.12)
  • High Sierra (10.13)
  • Mojave (10.14)
  • Catalina (10.15)
  • Big Sur (11)
  • Monterey (12)


I wouldn't bother with Catalina or Big Sur – as they'll break 32-bit apps, without being recent enough to run new software from the likes of Adobe and Microsoft.


Monterey should be one of "the most recent three" for about a year, until Sonoma's successor comes out.


Nov 14, 2023 10:28 AM in response to twilightgurl1122

twilightgurl1122 wrote:

Thank you! Can i pick any Mac OS (Cataline 10.15, Mojave 10.14, or High Sierra 10.13) to download for higher OS ? which one is better for Mac Book Pro Pro 13″, OS X 10.11?


You can only choose among those operating systems that are compatible with your Mac.


What specific MacBook Pro do you have? You can find this information in About This Mac in the Apple () menu. For instance, a "MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)" would not be able to run anything later than El Capitan, while a "MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)" would be able to upgrade all the way to Monterey.

Can't update my MACbook pro OS X El Capitan version 10.11.6

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