However, before installing a major macOS upgrade, it’s important to check whether your Mac is compatible, make sure your important applications are supported, and back up your data.
Whether you’re using a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro, taking a few preparation steps can make the update process smoother.
Check Which Version of macOS You’re Using
Before deciding whether your Mac needs an update, check which version of macOS is currently installed.
Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac.
You’ll see the name and version of macOS installed on your Mac.
You can also open System Settings and select General > Software Update to check whether updates are available for your Mac.
Apple’s Software Update system only offers versions that are compatible with your specific Mac model.
Check Whether Your Mac Is Compatible
Not every Mac can run every version of macOS.
Compatibility depends on the model and year of your Mac, as well as whether it uses Apple silicon or an Intel processor.
For example, Apple’s current compatibility requirements for macOS Tahoe 26 include selected MacBook Pro models from 2019 and later, MacBook Air models from 2020 and later, selected iMac models from 2020 and later, Mac mini models from 2020 and later, and newer Mac Studio and Mac Pro systems.
Apple’s compatibility requirements change with each major macOS release, so don’t rely on an old compatibility list from an earlier version such as Big Sur.
The easiest way to determine whether your Mac can install the latest available update is to open System Settings > General > Software Update.
If a newer version is compatible with your Mac, Apple will generally make it available through Software Update.
Back Up Your Mac Before Updating
Before installing a major operating system upgrade, make sure your important files are backed up.
A backup can help protect your documents, photos, business files, and other important information if something goes wrong during the update.
Apple’s Time Machine can be used to back up a Mac to an external storage device. You may also use an appropriate cloud-storage or backup solution depending on your needs.
For business users, make sure important company data is protected according to your organization’s backup and security policies.
Don’t start a major operating system upgrade without considering how you would recover your important files if you encountered a problem.
Check Your Available Storage
Major macOS upgrades require available storage space.
Before starting the installation, check how much storage is available on your Mac.
You can review your storage through System Settings > General > Storage.
If your Mac is running low on space, consider removing unnecessary downloads, old installers, duplicate files, or other data you no longer need.
Be careful when deleting files, especially on a business computer. Make sure important information is backed up before removing anything.
Check Your Applications
Your Mac’s operating system isn’t the only thing that needs to be considered before an upgrade.
Some applications may require updates before they work correctly with a newer version of macOS.
This can be particularly important for businesses that depend on specialized software, accounting applications, design programs, security tools, VPN clients, printers, scanners, or other workplace technology.
Before upgrading:
- Check whether important applications support the new macOS version
- Install available application updates
- Check with software vendors if compatibility is unclear
- Verify that critical business tools continue to be supported
- Confirm that important peripherals work with the new operating system
Don’t assume that every older application or device will automatically work with a new macOS release.
Keep Your Mac Connected to Power
If you’re updating a MacBook, connect it to power before beginning the installation.
A major macOS update can take some time, and interrupting an installation because the battery runs out can create unnecessary problems.
It’s also a good idea to use a reliable internet connection when downloading a major operating system update.
If you’re updating a business Mac, avoid starting the process immediately before an important meeting, presentation, or deadline.
Install macOS Through Software Update
For most users, the simplest way to update macOS is through Apple’s built-in Software Update feature.
Open:
Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update
If an update is available, review the available information and follow the onscreen instructions.
Apple notes that Software Update only displays software that is compatible with your Mac.
Depending on your Mac and the update, the installation may require multiple restarts.
Allow the process to finish before attempting to shut down or use the computer normally.
Don’t Ignore macOS Security Updates
Keeping macOS updated isn’t only about getting new features.
Software updates can also include security fixes and other improvements.
Apple continues to publish security updates for supported versions of macOS. For example, Apple released security updates for macOS Tahoe throughout 2026, including macOS Tahoe 26.7.1 in September 2026.
If your Mac is unable to install a newer major version of macOS, check whether Apple provides security updates for the version you are currently running.
An older Mac that no longer receives important security updates may require additional consideration, particularly if it is used to access sensitive business information.
What If Your Mac Can’t Run the Latest macOS?
Older Macs eventually reach the point where they cannot install the newest macOS release.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the Mac immediately stops working. However, compatibility limitations can become increasingly important as applications, browsers, security tools, and other software move toward newer operating systems.
If your Mac cannot install a current version of macOS, consider:
- Installing the newest compatible macOS version
- Keeping supported security updates installed
- Updating your applications and browser
- Reviewing your security software
- Checking whether important business applications remain supported
- Planning for eventual hardware replacement
For business computers, the decision should also take into account the age of the hardware, software requirements, security needs, and overall reliability.
macOS Updates for Business Users
Businesses often have additional considerations when updating Macs.
Before rolling out a major macOS upgrade across an organization, test the update on a smaller number of devices first.
Check compatibility with:
- Business applications
- VPN software
- Security tools
- Printers and scanners
- Network services
- Cloud applications
- File-sharing systems
- Remote-access software
- Device-management tools
A controlled rollout can help identify compatibility problems before they affect an entire team.
Organizations using managed Mac environments should also follow their IT department’s device-management and software-update policies.
Need Help With Your Mac?
Keeping Macs updated is an important part of maintaining a secure and reliable technology environment, especially for businesses that depend on Apple devices every day.
If you need help troubleshooting a Mac, preparing business devices for a macOS upgrade, managing Apple computers, or resolving compatibility and support issues, NYFL Nerds can help.
Learn more about Apple support for New York businesses and get help keeping your business technology running reliably.