You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Upgrading on MacBook 2012 from El Capitan 10.11.16 to High Sierra

I want to upgrade my wife's 2012 MacBook from her present ElCapitan 10.11.16 to High Sierra, but I can't find a way to do it or even if it's possible. Any suggestions most welcome.

MacBook

Posted on Sep 2, 2021 10:35 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 2, 2021 3:20 PM

A MacBook Pro 2012 can upgrade to the newer OS's like macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave 10.14

and macOS Catalina 10.15, 

If you want to upgrade to Mojave or Catalina I would recommend you upgrade to macOS High Sierra 10.13 first.


For High Sierra, Mojave or Catalina,


Open Safari and click on this link, 

How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

Go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.


Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.

Do not use your mac while it is downloading

and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.


If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina be warned it does not support 32bit apps.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps,

some updates may be free, some may be paid. Use this app to discover which apps you have

are 32bit, https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/ then contact the developers of the software to see

if they are offering 64bit updates.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 2, 2021 3:20 PM in response to brendanxx

A MacBook Pro 2012 can upgrade to the newer OS's like macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave 10.14

and macOS Catalina 10.15, 

If you want to upgrade to Mojave or Catalina I would recommend you upgrade to macOS High Sierra 10.13 first.


For High Sierra, Mojave or Catalina,


Open Safari and click on this link, 

How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support

Go to the Download OS section and click on the OS you want to install.


Before upgrading make a full back up of your Mac.


Check that third party apps you use have updates available for the new OS.

https://roaringapps.com

Check that your printers/ scanners etc have updated drivers and software available for the new OS.


Connect your mac to your router via cable rather than rely on WiFi.

Do not use your mac while it is downloading

and do not use any other devices that share the same internet connection.


If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'.


If you are considering upgrading to Catalina be warned it does not support 32bit apps.

Your Mac is probably running 32bit apps and these will need to be updated to 64bit apps,

some updates may be free, some may be paid. Use this app to discover which apps you have

are 32bit, https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/ then contact the developers of the software to see

if they are offering 64bit updates.

Sep 3, 2021 3:52 AM in response to brendanxx

What does the second last paragraph of my first reply say.

If you are going to ask questions and want others to offer advice at least read the replies.



"If the App Store says ‘Open’ then it is detecting a previous download of the install app

go to the Applications folder locate Install macOS ******.app.

Move it to the Trash, empty the Trash.

Restart, click on the link again, the App Store should say ‘Get' or 'Download'."



Upgrading on MacBook 2012 from El Capitan 10.11.16 to High Sierra

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.