update software mac os 12.0

upDate or upGrade

The two are not the same thing.

upGrade is moving from existing version of OS X / macOS to a newer version of macOS

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. 

Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.

Does this computer appear as Listed and qualifying for an upGrade to a newer version of macOS ?

With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install.

Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence.

If Yes, suggest having at least 50 GB of Empty Space on the drive.

It will allow the Full Version ( about 12.xx GB ) to download, expand and then commence to install.

If there is Third Party Security Software installed - remove it.

It will interfere with both the download and installation process.

The below links will help identify which version of macOS  this computer may Qualify to run.

Computer Qualify for the Monterey upgrade

macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements

macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements

Make Time Machine Backup  before doing any upDates / upGrades 

If the computer does not qualify for anything newer regarding macOS

If your " Needs " be greater than your " wants ".

Explore the Apple Trade-In  Process where the Value of the exiting device could be used against the cost of a new Apple Computer, iPhone or iPad 

Notation - Some devices and depending on the computers age may have little to no value at Trade In time.

But at least the device will not arrive to the Land Fill Site and be recycled in a responsible way by Apple

Or Shop Refurbished Apple computers at an Apple Reduced Cost

do your computer support macOS 12?

macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support