This is majorly for Intel-based Macs only as the M1 chipset-based Macs will probably come with Big Sur out of the box.
OS X El Capitan won't install on these two MacBook Pros (8,1). Support the show and get in the credits Wan.
Apple, at its virtual event on November 10, not just unveiled two new MacBooks and a Mac Mini with M1 processor, but also announced that much-awaited macOS Big Sur will be coming to all the eligible Mac devices within a week. This is majorly for Intel-based Macs only as the M1 chipset-based Macs will probably come with Big Sur out of the box. So, in case you are a MacBook, Mac Mini or an iMac user, you will too get this OS version. Here are all the eligible devices and steps on how to download and install the OS version.
- Picked up a mid 2009 MacBook Pro 17'. It has the latest firmware on it. It came with El Capitan installed and I hadn't realised it was a slightly older model that I couldn't upgrade. I've tried everything imaginable to get this%#.@ thing back to El Capitan but nothing works.
- I have a 15' MacBook Pro Core i7 A1286 (mid 2012) I'm unable to complete the installation of El Capitan. I only have the HD & RAM memory installed (no battery). Other Mac OS-X Versions are installing OK (even Windows). But, when I try to upgrade to El Capitan it never finishes the update. Also, it will not install via USB thumb drive.
- Old Macbook Pro NOT COMPATIBLE with Photoshop, But CAN'T download OLDER VERSION. It's a 2011 macbook pro. The current version of photoshop is not compatible with my OS. My macbook runs OS X El Capitan, but the current version of photoshop requires Sierra or higher i believe. My macbook is literally unable to update any higher than el capitan.
Also read: Apple's M1 chipset based MacBook Air and Pro don't support eGPUs: Here's what it means for you
Apple macOS Big Sur eligibility
-iMac (2014) and later models.
-MacBook Air (2013) and later models.
-iMac Pro (2017) and later models.
-MacBook Pro (late 2013) and later models.
-Mac Pro (2013) and later models.
-MacBook (2015) and later models.
-Mac Mini (2014) and later models.
Steps on how to download and install macOS Big Sur
If you are on macOS Mojave or later version:
-Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu placed on top left corner.
-Click Software Update to check for updates.
-If the update is available, click the Update Now button to install them. You can also click 'More info' to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
Also read: New Apple MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: What's different
If you are on earlier macOS such as High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier:
-Open the App Store app on your Mac.
-Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
-Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
In order to update apps like iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote and more, you can go to the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
Follow HT Tech for the latest tech news and reviews, also keep up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Find out how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.
Check compatibility
If a macOS installer can't be used on your Mac, the installer will let you know. For example, it may state that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation or that the installer is too old to be opened on this version of macOS.
If you want to check compatibility before downloading the installer, find out more about the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan or Yosemite. You can also check compatible operating systems on the product ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro.
Make a backup
Before installing, it's a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Find out how to back up your Mac.
Download macOS
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable Internet connection.
These installers from the App Store will open automatically after you've downloaded them:
- macOS Catalina 10.15 can upgrade Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite or Mavericks
- macOS Mojave 10.14 can upgrade High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks or Mountain Lion
- macOS High Sierra 10.13 can upgrade Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion or Lion
Your web browser will download the following older installers as a disk image called InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It will install an app named Install [Version Name]. Open that app from your Applications folder to start installing the operating system.
- macOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion or Lion
- OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion or Snow Leopard
- OS X Yosemite 10.10can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion or Snow Leopard
Macbook Won't Update
Install macOS
Follow the onscreen instructions in the installer. It may be easiest to start the installation in the evening so that it can be completed overnight, if needed.
Macbook Pro El Capitan Download
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Macbook Pro Wont Update
Also read: New Apple MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: What's different
If you are on earlier macOS such as High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier:
-Open the App Store app on your Mac.
-Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
-Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
In order to update apps like iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote and more, you can go to the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
Follow HT Tech for the latest tech news and reviews, also keep up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Find out how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.
Check compatibility
If a macOS installer can't be used on your Mac, the installer will let you know. For example, it may state that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation or that the installer is too old to be opened on this version of macOS.
If you want to check compatibility before downloading the installer, find out more about the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan or Yosemite. You can also check compatible operating systems on the product ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro.
Make a backup
Before installing, it's a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Find out how to back up your Mac.
Download macOS
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable Internet connection.
These installers from the App Store will open automatically after you've downloaded them:
- macOS Catalina 10.15 can upgrade Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite or Mavericks
- macOS Mojave 10.14 can upgrade High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks or Mountain Lion
- macOS High Sierra 10.13 can upgrade Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion or Lion
Your web browser will download the following older installers as a disk image called InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It will install an app named Install [Version Name]. Open that app from your Applications folder to start installing the operating system.
- macOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion or Lion
- OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion or Snow Leopard
- OS X Yosemite 10.10can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion or Snow Leopard
Macbook Won't Update
Install macOS
Follow the onscreen instructions in the installer. It may be easiest to start the installation in the evening so that it can be completed overnight, if needed.
Macbook Pro El Capitan Download
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Macbook Pro Wont Update
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
Learn more
Macbook Pro El Capitan Update Wont Download Mac
You may also be able to use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.
