Ready to update macOS? Our guide walks you through the necessary steps to upgrade your Mac to the latest release, macOS Sonoma, eliminating issues along the way. You’ll be using the latest features and security enhancements in no time.
FYI: working on Windows instead? Learn about the issues associated with updating Windows.
Things to Consider Before You Upgrade to macOS Sonoma
As you prepare to update macOS, it’s crucial to consider a few factors to ensure a smooth upgrade to macOS Sonoma:
- Your Mac’s Compatibility: first and foremost, verify that your Mac is compatible with macOS Sonoma on Apple’s website. (Scroll all the way to the bottom.) If you’re currently running macOS Ventura, then it most likely is compatible, as there’s a large overlap of supported models.
- Safeguard Your Data: it’s critical to protect your valuable data before proceeding with any major system update. Utilize Apple’s Time Machine or another backup method to create a full backup of your system to preserve your files, settings, and applications, allowing you to restore them after the update or in the case of a hiccup.
- Time Commitment: set aside adequate time for the update process. Upgrading to a new operating system can take time, and rushing through it can lead to errors or issues. We recommend choosing a non-work day to update macOS, and reserve at least five hours of uninterrupted time. This allows for the download, installation, and post-installation configuration.
How to Check Whether You Have the Latest Version of macOS
Follow the steps below to verify that you’re using the current version of macOS.
Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen -> About This Mac.
Click the More info button for additional details, if you would like.
If you see that you’re running macOS Ventura, updating to Sonoma should be a piece of cake, as they are sequential versions.
Tip: want to test new features on your Mac before they are released? Learn how to install the macOS Beta on your Mac.
How to Upgrade macOS to the Latest Version
Upgrading your Apple computer to the latest macOS is pretty simple. Just follow the steps below.
Important: back up your data before you update your system. Also, your Mac will need to restart during the process, so make sure to save your work.
Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the Menu Bar, and select System Settings. Go to General, then Software Update.
The system will show you the available update for your system. Click on Update Now to begin the installation.
If you don’t see any update in this window, it means that your system is up to date or does not support the latest macOS. If your Mac is not running as it should after an upgrade, downgrade your system to the previous macOS version.
If you prefer to upgrade macOS using the Terminal, follow these instructions.
What Is in the Latest Version of macOS
The introduction of macOS Sonoma marks a relatively minor evolutionary step from its predecessor, macOS Ventura, first launched in October 2022.
The user interface in Sonoma retains the design language of Ventura, and most refinements can be found under the hood. Still, there are also some new features thrown in for you to enjoy:
- Stability improvements: Sonoma focuses on bolstering system stability, reducing crashes and enhancing the overall resilience of the operating system against everyday tasks.
- Visual changes: new screen savers featuring slow-motion videos of breathtaking locations from around the globe double as dynamic desktop wallpapers when logged in.
- Improved security: Enhanced Private Browsing in Sonoma further solidifies user privacy by locking private browsing windows when not in use, preventing trackers from loading, and stripping URLs of identifying tracking details.
- Interactive desktop widgets: with the ability to place widgets from an expanded gallery directly on the desktop, users can interact with apps like podcasts or home automation, while iPhone widgets can now be accessed on Mac through Continuity.
- Immersive video conferencing: the Presenter Overlay feature in video conferencing puts the speaker in a large or small overlay, allowing for dynamic interaction with shared content.
- Safari browsing profiles: Safari now supports multiple browsing profiles, enabling users to maintain separate browsing experiences for work, personal, and other categories, including individual histories, extensions, and cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Mac upgrade to the latest macOS?
This could be due to a lack of storage. To ensure that you have enough space for the update, manually check the update’s size, and confirm that you have sufficient storage capacity. If you do not, consider cleaning up your system to free up some storage space. There can be other issues, too, such as no Internet connection, an aging Mac, etc.
Will updating my Mac make it slower?
It depends on how old your Mac is. If you have a fairly old system, you may experience some slowness or lag. Nonetheless, if your system is only two to three years old, the update could potentially result in improved speed and performance, as these updates usually focus on improving performance and security.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by David Morelo.
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