iCloud Notes not syncing to Macbook

BennieBurger wrote:

... but when I check on my Macbook there are a bunch of really old notes from like a year ago, and none of my newer notes.

With iOS 9, the Notes app got enhanced features. Since you're using Notes on iOS 10.x, if you chose the option to upgrade your notes the first time you launched the App then you'll need El Capitan macOS 10.11x on your Mac. If you did NOT upgrade your notes, then you should still be able to sync notes via iCloud.

Notes on the Mac are stored and viewable from two "folder" sources: (a) iCloud and (b) On My Mac. Check to be sure you are viewing notes in the iCloud "folder" on your Mac. You can show and hide folders from the View menu or icon.

See iCloud: Notes overview and scroll down to the first instance of "Note:..."

Also see Upgrade your Notes app.

Do you know if downloading El Capitan on my computer will hamper it's performance. Or Sierra even?

El Capitan will NOT hinder it's performance. However, each user is different, so I suggest before you upgrade the OS check to see the compatibility of the apps you use at RoaringApps. You might need to update an app or two and printer driver.

FYI: For the longest time I stayed with iOS 7.1x with an iPhone 5 and Yosemite. In early-October 2016, I upgraded to an iPhone SE with iOS 10.x and, like you, needed my Notes on iCloud so I upgraded to El Capitan. That allowed me to then upgrade the Notes app and my notes happily sync. From all that I've read, e.g., Ars Technica review, El Capitan is the follow up to Yosemite, i.e., it refines and enhances Yosemite much like Mountain Lion (10.8) was to Lion (10.7). I have yet to upgrade to Sierra.

A few users in various Apple Communities have posted trouble with Notes syncing while other users suggested solutions. For example, see here. Bear in mind that generally, users post here when they're experiencing problems. The majority of users do not have problems. As you probably know, before any major OS upgrade, back up, back up, back up.

HTH

Information only. I have read several discussions by people experiencing the same type of problem. Several have been in touch with Apple Support and it appears it may be an Apple problem.