MacBook Air (2020) unable to update Chrome and macOS after Big Sur update

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MacBook Air (2020) unable to update Chrome and macOS after Big Sur update

Hi, I have a MacBook Air (2020) laptop and my computer had been running Catalia for a long time. My Zoom and chrome browser unable to update since I was so far behind on updates. I did not have the storage until now due to unsyncing my iCloud phone storage freeing up space to update. I updated from Catalina to MacOS Big Sur today so it would hopefully be easier on my computer since I don't have things backed up or stored elsewhere really. After updating chrome it says it needs a newer OS to be compatible. When I try to search for software updates none show up now. I tried to manually in the app store update to Mac OS Ventura but it searches and doesn't start the update. I'm hoping for some assistance with what my safest and best options are and I recognize in the future I need to stay on top of updates.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 7, 2026 8:57 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 7, 2026 11:52 PM in response to Lunamagenta

The current version of Google Chrome requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later.

Google - Chrome browser system requirements

Many other third-party Web browsers require macOS 12 (Monterey) or later. The current version of Firefox runs on macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and later, including macOS 11 (Big Sur).

You can update an Intel-based MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) to macOS 15.* (Sequoia), and no further.

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Apple been providing the latest versions of Safari for the three most recent versions of macOS. So, if you installed Sequoia on your MacBook Air, you would be able to run the latest version of Safari for roughly a year.

Whatever you do, you should get into the habit of backing up your computer – whether using Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner, or SuperDuper! I would suggest getting an external drive and backing it up before you try to carry out any further macOS upgrades.

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Answer 2

Sep 7, 2026 10:27 PM in response to Lunamagenta

The latest Firefox works in Big Sur so use that.

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