macOS Sequoia will be arriving on Macs on September 16 , 2024 . There are mickle of new feature article make out to Macs with the new update to the operating system and we ca n’t wait to put in it ( interpret aboutwhat ’s you need to have it away about macOS Sequoia ) . But before Sequoia arrives there are a few thing we recommend that you do before installing it .
It ’s not only for Sequoia that you should prepare your Mac though , it ’s adept practice to run these checks on your Mac whenever you are update the operating organization . We recommend that you follow the step below to verify your Mac is ready for a unexampled operating organization as it will downplay your risk of having problems either during or after the update .
How to prepare your Mac for an OS update
We commend that you do n’t jump powerful in and install fresh computer software straight away – by which we think the minute Apple releases it . disregarding of how stringent Apple ’s trial process is , there are unavoidably issues with the initial download . And even if there are no issues often Apple ’s servers get overloaded as everyone rush to update and that can really slow the summons down . So we recommend you hold your horses and do some tidying up and preparation first .
However , there are a few things deserving check before you download a new interpretation of the Mac operating system at any time . So before you start to update macOS on your Mac – at any time – we recommend that you hunt through the list below first . You will be less likely to have problem following the update and you will thank us for it .
Here are the steps you should go through when updating your Mac to thelatest version of macOS . We ’ll execute through each step below ( aside from the last two , which are address in particular separately ) .
The Software Update in System Settings.
When it comes to actually download the installer and set up the macOS update we recommend you read this usher : How to update macOS .
If you do have problem update you may find this useful : Why ca n’t I update my Mac ? muddle if macOS installation fail .
Do I need to wipe my Mac?
Some Mac users may question if they should pass over their Mac before installing a major update to the operating system . Some people wish to do a clean-living install as it can minimize issues with the update and give them a clean-living slating to work with . But there really is n’t a skilful reason to wipe your Mac first , unless you are already see event with your Mac that ca n’t be pay off ( see Step 4 below for advice on sire your Mac healthy ) .
If you do want to do a clean install though we have advice here : How to clean install macOS .
What to do before updating macOS
Before you update to macOS Sequoia , or any new version of macOS we recommend you solve through the following steps to set your Mac for the update .
Check for problems with the macOS version you want to install
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You might be so lancinating to add the former version of macOS that you climb up intoSystem configurations > General > Software Updateto find the young edition as soon as you hear it is available for download . But , before you start to download the software you need to check that there are no consequence with the software package . Sometimes it is judicious to waitress for others to find out there are problem before you do .
Our advice is always to hold back a few days before you instal a grownup software update just in case there are hemipterous insect in the software that have slipped through the beta testing leg . Apple is usually warm to doctor vulnerabilities and problems in macOS updates , but they do slip through from time to clock time , so it ’s always worth checking that people are n’t have problems .
We have details of thelatest adaptation of macOS Sequoia , which will include any problem people are having . Also take ourComplete list of Mac OS X & macOS versions .
Make sure your Mac and the software you use are supported
Related to the above , you should ensure that your Mac will actually launch the version of macOS you need to put in and that you will really be able to take advantage of the new features that appeal to you most . To retrieve out if your Mac is supported read : Sequoia compatibility list .
While you wo n’t be able-bodied to instal a version of macOS that is n’t supported by your Mac ( it wo n’t show up in Software Update or the Mac App Store ) there are situations where the version of macOS will be useable to you , but your Mac wo n’t be able to revel all the new characteristic on offer , or even worse , installing the update will mean you lose accession to Mac features you rely on presently .
Another thing to check for is software compatibility . Read : Which Apps do n’t workandWhich Apps puzzle out on an M1 Mac . Do n’t refresh your Mac only to then discover your adaptation of Photoshop does n’t work any longer !
If your Mac ’s not support that does n’t mean you ca n’t run that rendering of macOS . Doing so is just a little more complicated ( and wild ) . Read : How to install macOS on an old unsupported Mac .
Make sure you have sufficient space
Apple suggests that you should have 20 GB of free space on your Mac ’s drive before you install a new interpretation of macOS – you may not need that much .
We more often than not recommend that you always have 10 percent of the entire space of your Mac gratis at all time as this does be given to avoid issues .
There ’s a good reason why you need the space . For representative , the discharge candidate of Sequoia was 14.45 GB ; the Monterey installer was more than 12 GB . The Big Sur beta was about 12 GB , but Big Sur needed even more blank to set up itself – in some case , mass could n’t update unless they had around 40 sarin free ! Read : Don’t bother attempt to update to the new macOS if you have a 128 GB Mac .
If you miss the necessary space , read this to get some bakshis on what to delete : How to free blank on Mac . You may also findHow to erase Mac Other storageandHow to delete System depot on a Macuseful . How to delete Cache on a Macis also worth a flavor .
When we needed to clear space for Big Sur in 2020 we usedCleanMyMac Xto delete file , which is one of our top choices in our daily round - up ofbest Mac cleaner apps . We also discusshow to use CleanMyMac X.
Make sure your Mac is healthy
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You should also verify that your Mac is altogether tidy before installing a big update to the system . It ’s easy to do this by running Disk Utility , which a program include on your Mac .
If Disk Utility chance problems with your private road , you ’ll need to reboot from a unlike volume to perform the actual repairs . you’re able to do this fromRecovery mode . To boot into Recovery mode you need to hold down Command+R at inauguration on an Intel Mac , or press and hold the Power Button at jump up on an M - series Mac . Once in Recovery Mode , you ’ll be able-bodied to access Disk Utility and carry out the recommended repairs .
you may also execute theApple Hardware Test(for Macs older than June 2013 ) orApple Diagnostics(for Macs from June 2013 or later ) . Both tests check your Mac for other hardware issues , such as spoilt tup .
Read Disk Utility to fix a Mac .
Back up your Mac
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Before you execute any big update to your Mac – especially if you are instal a major rendering of macOS – you should back up your Mac so that you have a copy of how things were before you installed the new operating organization .
fortuitously , Apple have it easy to back up your Mac using Time Machine , so there is no excuse not to create a Time Machine accompaniment before installing a raw edition of macOS – all you need is ahard driveorSSDto do it on . We have this article abouthow to back up your Mac using Time Machine . We also have a pathfinder running through all the shipway you canback up a Mac .
Log into iCloud
iCloud is heavily integrated into many Apple apps and system services . check that you ’re logged into iCloud before you start update and thing should go smoothly .
Make sure you’re on a trusted network
We advise that you check that you are on a hope internet – avoid download software in hotel and cafes or any public internet because you do n’t lie with what or who might lurk there .
If you ’re download and install software system we advise that you do so at dwelling , at piece of work , or at your place of education . You will probably find the download is much faster . Downloading at home or work could intend you could punch your Mac into the meshwork rather than trust on a slow wireless download speed .
To find out how to keep your Mac safe from surety vulnerabilities scan ourMac security tips .
The Software Update in System Settings.
Update to the latest version of all your software
The Software Update in System preferences .
Before you raise to the fresh version of macOS , make indisputable you add the latest updates to the version of macOS that you ’re currently run . From metre to time there will be software updates to meliorate stability , for example , and there is always a luck that you may have a problem update to the raw version of the Mac operating system if you had n’t pre - installed this indispensable update to the premature version , so do your housekeeping first .
In Ventura and later , go toSystem options > General > Software Update . On a Mac with an OS older than Ventura , go toSystem Preferences > Software Update .
You should also make certain you have update any third - party apps too . Those update may let in changes that are want for upgrading to the former macOS and if you do n’t execute the updates they may not forge properly once you have updated .
To update apps you ’ve purchase from the Mac App Store , set in motion the Mac App Store app and chatter theUpdatesbutton in the toolbar . Then clickUpdate All , just providing your Apple Account and password when prompted .
For apps that you purchased elsewhere , you ’ll need to manually instal update . you could see if there are update available from the program ’s menu , in Microsoft Word , for model , it ’s a instance of clack onHelp > Check for Updates .
As we mentioned above , it ’s important to hold in compatibility with your third - political party apps before updating the macOS . That way you will be up and running immediately , rather than being frustrated by your favorite apps and hyperkinetic syndrome - ons not mold .
If you want more help updating your apps on your Mac read this : How to update all your Mac apps .
Now you have done your homework you should be safe to add the version of macOS you want . Now read : macOS Sonoma vs macOS Sequoia .
