macOS: Upgrading Your Operating System Quick Start Guide

Before You Start

Before upgrading your macOS, you should take some time to prepare your computer. The most critical preparation step is backing up your computer.

You do not need to be connected to Carleton's network to upgrade.  You can do the prep and upgrade from any location with a network connection.  Set aside time to work through this list.  Failing to do so could cause the upgrade to fail, rendering your computer unusable. You do not need to do these steps all at once, but you should keep track of what you have done so that you don't miss steps.

Quick Start Guide

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1. Know your current macOS version

2. Review any Known issues with this upgrade

3. Backup your computer

4. Check that your computer is eligible to upgrade (If your computer is not eligible to upgrade to Sequoia, you should still upgrade it as far as it can go)

   • macOS 15 Sequoia System Requirements

   • macOS 14 Sonoma System Requirements 

   • macOS 13 Ventura System Requirements

   • Apple no longer provides support or security updates for macOS 10, macOS 11, or macOS 12. The best course of action is to see if you can update to at least macOS 13 (which will provide security updates until Fall 2025), or macOS 14 or 15 if you're able. If these updates are not possible, the best course of action is to replace the computer.

5. Check the compatibility of your various applications

6. Check the readiness of your disk

7. Upgrade your macOS

8. After you upgrade

9. Resolve any Known issues

Quick Links

• About macOS

• Apple's Upgrade Guide

• Application Compatibility from Roaring Apps