User profile for user: GVN73
GVN73 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

System Update Not Working

Running a 2017 iMac 21.5-inch and the current system is MacOS Big Sur version 11.7.10. Need to update to a later OS. System Update says there is 1 update available but when "checking for updates" it never stops spinning. Tried rebooting, closed all applications with no luck. WiFi is fine. Nothing is frozen.


What is the latest MacOS that can be installed on the 2017 iMac 21.5-inch model and how can I go about downloading it if it can't be accessed through the System Update?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jan 19, 2024 9:58 PM

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User profile for user: D.I. Johnson
D.I. Johnson
User level: Level 8
43,523 points

Posted on Jan 19, 2024 10:14 PM

The iMac 21.5" 2017 can run macOS 13 Ventura.

➡️ macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 13 Ventura is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 14 Sonoma is compatible with the Macs listed here


If your Mac is compatible with the OS upgrade, then this:

Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support 



Alternative Method–

➡️ Download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click >   macOS 11 Big Sur,  macOS 12 Monterey or  macOS 13 Ventura.

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


Please see > How to download macOS - Apple Support.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: D.I. Johnson
D.I. Johnson
User level: Level 8
43,523 points

Jan 19, 2024 10:14 PM in response to GVN73

The iMac 21.5" 2017 can run macOS 13 Ventura.

➡️ macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 13 Ventura is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 14 Sonoma is compatible with the Macs listed here


If your Mac is compatible with the OS upgrade, then this:

Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support 



Alternative Method–

➡️ Download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click >   macOS 11 Big Sur,  macOS 12 Monterey or  macOS 13 Ventura.

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


Please see > How to download macOS - Apple Support.

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System Update Not Working

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