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 say that it's too old to be opened on this version of macOS, or that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation.

Apple’s Mac OS X El Capitan is a free update that has further simplified the OS X experience by featuring the upgraded performance, security, and convenience. With this twelfth main release of OS X after Yosemite and Mavericks, the Mac-based ecosystem got further tighter than ever before.

To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan or Yosemite. You can also find compatibility information on the product-ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro.

Make a backup

1. Compared to versions of Mac OS X released after El Capitan, such as Sierra, El Capitan generally is not faster. Mac computers dating from 2012 and later will generally run more smoothly when upgraded from El Capitan, per Apple's optimizations in Sierra and later. On the other hand, Macs from 2008 to 2010 may run faster with El Capitan.
2. The installation is complete, but the drive isn't bootable yet. Boot from the USB again, this time choosing El Capitan. Turn on the computer 2. Press the hotkey to choose boot device 3. At the Boot Screen, choose your new El Capitan installation. Complete OS X El Capitan setup.

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.

Safari uses these links to find the old installers in the App Store. After being downloaded from the App Store, the installer opens automatically.

• 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 or Mountain Lion

Safari downloads the following older installers as a disk image named InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It installs 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

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.

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.

Please allow the installation to finish without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac may restart, show a progress bar or show a blank screen several times while macOS and related firmware updates are being installed.

Learn more

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.

Upgrade to macOS Big Sur

Before installing this upgrade, make sure that your Mac is ready.

Check compatibility

macOS Big Sur supports most Mac models introduced in 2013 and later.

Make a backup

Before you upgrade, make a complete backup with Time Machine, or store your files in iCloud.

Free up space

If the installer needs more storage space to upgrade, you can free up space using tools that come with your Mac.

Download macOS Big Sur

If you’re using macOS Mojave or later, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update. If you’re using an earlier macOS, use the App Store instead.

Get to know macOS Big Sur

Learn about some of the new features of macOS Big Sur.

Control Center

Control Center brings favorite controls such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Do Not Disturb, and Sound together in a single place—so you can easily adjust them at any time.

El Capitan To Sierra Upgrade Os

Notification Center

Notification Center puts notifications and>

Safari

Customize your start page, navigate with ease using the new tab bar, and access a new privacy report to see just how Safari protects your privacy as you browse.

Maps

Discover great places around the world and navigate easier with guides, cycling directions, indoor maps, Look Around, electric vehicle routing, and more.

Messages

Send messages to friends and family using new tools that make it easier to keep track of group conversations and give you fun, engaging ways to express yourself.

Photos

Use the expanded editing capabilities in Photos to easily make simple changes and more advanced adjustments to your photos.

El Capitan To Sierra Upgrade

Have a question?

Ask everyone. Our Apple Support Community can help you find answers.

El Capitan To Sierra Upgrade Mac

Tell us how we can help

Answer a few questions and we'll help you find a solution.

El Capitan To Sierra Upgrade Windows 7