MacBook Air (early 2015) MacOS Catalina (December 14/19. Apple Support has suggested to upgrade to Big Sur (from my Catalina) in order that it MIGHT resolve an issue I have with Family Sharing/Apple TV+ (videos/movies play with a BLACK SCREEN only but have audio!!). How to install a macOS update in Big Sur, Catalina, or Mojave. Installing updates for macOS, once you’re running Big Sur, Catalina, or Mojave, is a bit different than the previous ones. Instead of opening the Mac App Store, you’ll need to do the following: Open system preferences; Click on ‘Software Update’. First off, the default minimum date and version required for APFS drivers to load has been bumped up to Big Sur. This means APFS drivers that come with High Sierra through Catalina won't load. In addition, the default Secure Boot model has been changed to x86legacy (from j137 - iMacPro1,1) which restricts boot to 11.0.1 and up.
Be it your comfort zone or tech limitations, there are many users who are still working on the macOS Catalina. Since every update brings new updates like bug fixes, system customizations, & personalizations, the macOS version 11 (macOS Big Sur) is worth exploring. From various color combinations to simplest user interface, everything is exciting with the macOS Big Sur.
Just like the iOS14 update that has brought many transforming updates including App Clips, PIP mode, & screen widgets. Same way, while accessing the macOS Big Sur, you will know how many useful features you are missing while unable to use the same. So in case you are still working on the macOS Catalina, check out the ways to upgrade to Big Sur as well as update macOS Catalina.
Is Your Mac Compatible With macOS Big Sur Update?
Since the macOS Big Sur update has been released for quite some time now, users are going gaga over it. However, please know that upgrading to Big Sur isn’t available for everyone of those users. The compatibility issue of the macOS Big Sur update will fully depend on your computer.
So if you do not have those mac computer versions, the only option you have is to buy a new Mac. You can check out the list of the macOS Big Sur update compatible mac versions to know if yours is listed here or not.
Things to Consider Before Updating macos catalina to macOS Big Sur
Sometimes it’s better not to upgrade to the latest version for mac right away as there are a few things that need to be taken care of. Since every one of us wants to have a seamless & smooth transition of the macOS Big Sur update, let’s start considering few of the things as mentioned below:
1. One of the first things before going ahead with the upgrade to macOS Big Sur is backing up your system. All you need to have is the Time Machine & an external hard drive and in a few minutes, you will be able to backup your mac.
2. Another thing to consider is using the First Aid feature from the Disk Utility app on the mac. You need to start with launching the Disk Utility app on the system & navigate yourself to the First Aid option to look for the errors on the disk. Hopefully the disk doesn’t show any errors while using the Disk Utility app so that the whole transition can be easy for you.
3. Cleaning out the junk or unnecessary items from the mac is extremely important as there are plenty of them on your device. So please delete all those items from the mac to have a smooth transition for the macOS Big Sur update.
How to Update macOS Catalina
Normally, whenever the new system update releases, the system will show the same automatically as a notification. And that’s your hint to go ahead with the update where you need to tap on the notification & click on Install Now option.
However, there are times when you either miss out on those new system updates or are waiting for the reviews from users. Either way, after making the decision of going ahead with the macOS Big Sur update, navigate yourself to the System Preferences > Software Update > Upgrade Now.
Now if you are one of those users who didn’t get a chance to tap on the macOS Big Sur update notification or use the above mentioned path, you can use another option as well. All you need to do is, visit the Apple official website (macOS Big Sur) & download the latest macOS update from the same platform.
Please know that the macOS Big Sur update is a bit over 12 GB, it will take some time for the update to get downloaded. Once the whole “upgrade to macOS Big Sur” file has been downloaded, your mac will start the installation process by launching the installer automatically. The next steps wouldn’t require anything specific from users end as all they need to do is follow the instructions through the installation process. And within a while, the macOS Big Sur update will be installed on the system successfully. The average time it takes to update macOS Catalina to the macOS Big Sur is about 30 minutes so please be prepared to have patience for that much time.
Get Exciting Features With The macOS Big Sur Update
Each & every update on different devices brings many features to explore and at the same time, instant bugs as well. For example, the macOS Big Sur update that brings many features from user interface to exciting features that can give your system a whole new makeover. I strongly believe that once you are all set with this macOS Big Sur upgrade, you yourself will know that the experience cannot be described in words. So without further ado, check if your mac comes under the list of the compatible macbook versions, & if yes then download the macOS Big Sur installation files right away.
Recommended Readings:
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
Check compatibility
macOS Big Sur is compatible with the following computers. If your Mac isn't compatible, you might be able to install an old version of macOS instead.
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.
If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
Download macOS Big Sur
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
Install macOS Big Sur
After downloading, the installer opens automatically. Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, it might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
Upgrade From Catalina To Big Sur Problems
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After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. To check for updates, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.