Quick Answer
To check whether your Mac can install a macOS update:
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac to identify your Mac model and current macOS version. 2. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. Your Mac will automatically check whether an update is available for that model. 3.
Why Compatibility Matters
A macOS update is not automatically supported on every Mac. Compatibility depends primarily on the Mac’s model and release year, but available storage, app support, and hardware requirements also affect whether an update is practical.
A Mac may be unable to install a particular macOS version, or it may install the update while some older apps, drivers, printers, or accessories stop working. Checking compatibility first helps you avoid interrupted installations and unexpected changes to your workflow.
There are two separate questions to answer:
- Can this Mac install the update? This is determined mainly by Apple’s supported-model list.
- Should I install it right now? This depends on storage, backups, app compatibility, and whether your essential accessories work with the new system.
Find Your Mac’s Exact Model
Before checking an update’s requirements, record your Mac’s exact model information. “MacBook Pro” or “iMac” alone is not specific enough because Apple has released many models with the same general name.
Using About This Mac
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
- Select About This Mac.
- Note the Mac’s model name and release year, if shown.
- Note the macOS version currently installed.
Depending on your Mac and macOS version, the window may show a model description such as “MacBook Air” and a year. It may also include an Overview tab.
For more detailed identification:
- Open the Apple menu.
- Hold down the Option key.
- Choose System Information.
- Select Hardware in the sidebar if it is not already selected.
- Look for Model Identifier and Model Name.
The model identifier is useful when several Mac models have similar names. You can also find the serial number in System Information or About This Mac. Keep the serial number private when asking for help online.
Identify Whether Your Mac Uses Apple silicon or Intel
The processor type can help you understand your Mac’s capabilities and which troubleshooting instructions apply.
- Open Apple menu > About This Mac.
- Look for Chip, such as an Apple chip, or Processor, which indicates an Intel-based Mac.
On an Apple silicon Mac, the window identifies the chip. On an Intel-based Mac, it lists an Intel processor. This information does not replace checking the official compatibility list, but it can help when reviewing app and accessory requirements.
Check for the Update in System Settings
The simplest compatibility check is the built-in Software Update tool. It checks Apple’s update service and displays updates available for your Mac.
On newer macOS versions
- Connect your Mac to power if it is a MacBook.
- Save your work and close apps that you do not need.
- Click Apple menu > System Settings.
- Select General in the sidebar.
- Click Software Update.
- Wait while your Mac checks for available updates.
If an update is available for your Mac, you will see its name and an Upgrade Now or Update Now button, depending on the type of update.
- An update usually refers to a smaller release within the same major macOS version.
- An upgrade usually refers to moving to a newer major macOS version.
The wording can vary by macOS release. Read the information on the Software Update screen before selecting an installation button.
On older macOS versions
On some older Macs, Software Update is located here:
- Click Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Select Software Update.
- Wait for the compatibility check to finish.
If the update does not appear, that does not always mean the Mac is incompatible. The update may be released in stages, blocked by an administrator, unavailable in your region, or already installed. Use Apple’s official compatibility information to confirm the result.
Warning: Installing a macOS upgrade restarts the Mac and can close apps. Save your work first. The installation may take a significant amount of time, and you should not turn off the Mac while it is in progress.
For preparation and backup steps, see How to Update macOS Safely.
Compare Your Model With Apple’s Compatibility List
Software Update is convenient, but it is not the only check you should perform when planning a major upgrade. Find Apple’s official page for the macOS version you want to install and review its supported Mac models.
Search Apple’s website for the version name followed by compatible Mac models. Use Apple’s support site rather than relying on a forum post, video, or third-party compatibility chart.
When reviewing the list:
- Match the exact Mac family, such as MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro.
- Match the release year.
- Check whether the list distinguishes between models released in the same year.
- Confirm that the listed model matches the information in About This Mac or System Information.
Do not assume that a Mac that supports one major macOS release will support the next one. Apple can change the supported-model list with each major release.
If your Mac is not listed
If Apple’s official list does not include your Mac, do not install the upgrade through unofficial modification tools unless you fully understand the risks. Unsupported installations may cause problems with security updates, drivers, graphics, Wi-Fi, startup, recovery features, or future updates.
For everyday use, the safest choice is generally to remain on the newest officially supported macOS version for your Mac and keep installing available security updates.
Check Storage Before Installing
A compatible Mac still needs enough free storage to download and install an update. The required amount can vary by update and may be higher during the installation process because macOS needs temporary working space.
To check storage:
- Open Apple menu > System Settings.
- Select General.
- Click Storage.
- Review the available space and the categories using storage.
On older macOS versions, choose Apple menu > About This Mac, select Storage, and review the available space.
If storage is low, remove only files you have identified and no longer need. Emptying the Trash, deleting old downloads, and removing unused apps can help, but do not delete files simply because they are large or unfamiliar.
Warning: Deleting files or emptying the Trash can permanently remove data. Make sure important documents, photos, and other files are backed up before deleting anything.
If you need to move files to an external drive, confirm that the drive is connected and accessible before deleting the original files. If an external drive is not appearing, troubleshoot that problem before using it for a backup.
Check Your Apps and Accessories
Mac compatibility is not limited to the operating system. A macOS upgrade can affect older software and hardware even when the Mac itself is officially supported.
Review essential apps
Make a short list of apps you rely on for work, school, communication, media, or accounting. For each app:
- Open the developer’s official website or the app’s update tool.
- Check its supported macOS versions.
- Install available app updates before upgrading macOS, when practical.
- Confirm that licenses, plug-ins, and extensions are still supported.
This is especially important for older professional software, antivirus tools, virtual machines, audio applications, printer utilities, and apps that install system extensions.
Some older apps may not run on newer macOS versions, particularly if they were built for older processor architectures or depend on discontinued system components. If an app is essential, verify compatibility with its developer before installing the operating system upgrade.
Review printers, scanners, and other devices
Check the official support pages for devices you need, including:
- Printers and scanners
- Audio interfaces
- External displays and docks
- Backup software
- Security devices
- Specialized keyboards or controllers
Look for updated drivers or utilities. A device may continue to work using built-in macOS support, but advanced features can require a compatible driver or manufacturer software.
Confirm Your Backup Works
A backup is not a compatibility test, but it is essential protection if the installation fails or a problem appears afterward.
Before upgrading:
- Confirm that Time Machine or your backup software has completed a recent backup.
- Make sure the backup disk is connected or the backup service has finished syncing.
- Verify that important files can be opened from the backup when possible.
- Keep the backup available until you are satisfied that the updated Mac works correctly.
Do not rely on files that exist only in iCloud or another sync service as a complete backup. Synchronization can copy deletions or changes, while a backup is intended to provide an earlier recoverable version.
Check Battery, Power, and Internet Access
For a MacBook:
- Connect the power adapter.
- Keep the Mac connected throughout the download and installation.
- Use a stable Wi-Fi or wired internet connection.
- Avoid starting the upgrade immediately before travel, a deadline, or an important meeting.
For a desktop Mac, make sure the power connection is secure. If possible, avoid installing during a storm or when power interruptions are likely.
A slow connection may make the download take longer, but it does not necessarily mean the Mac is incompatible. If the download repeatedly fails, troubleshoot the connection and available storage separately from the compatibility question.
What to Do if Software Update Shows No Update
If Software Update reports that your Mac is up to date, check the following:
- Confirm the macOS version shown in System Settings > General > Software Update or Apple menu > About This Mac.
- Compare your exact Mac model with Apple’s compatibility list for the desired release.
- Check whether the Mac is managed by a workplace or school. An administrator may restrict upgrades.
- Make sure the date and time are set correctly in System Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Restart the Mac and check Software Update again.
- Confirm that you are connected to the internet.
If the model is officially supported but the upgrade still does not appear, Apple may not be offering it to that Mac at that moment, or another system condition may be preventing the check. Do not download an installer from an unknown website.
Troubleshooting Compatibility Problems
The Mac meets the model requirement but the installer fails
First, check available storage and restart the Mac. Disconnect nonessential external devices, especially hubs and drives, and try again. Keep your backup intact while troubleshooting.
If the installer displays a specific error, record its exact wording. Searching for the complete message on Apple’s support site is more useful than searching for a general phrase such as “macOS update failed.”
An app stops working after the upgrade
Check the app developer’s website for an updated version. If the app is essential and no compatible version exists, restore your files from a backup only after choosing an appropriate recovery plan. Avoid deleting the app until you have confirmed that you no longer need its settings or data.
A printer or accessory stops working
Reconnect the device, restart the Mac, and check the manufacturer’s support page for a compatible driver or utility. For a printer, remove and re-add it in System Settings > Printers & Scanners only after confirming that you can reinstall or configure it if needed.
The Mac becomes slow after the upgrade
Some post-installation activity can temporarily use processor time and storage while macOS completes background tasks. Keep the Mac connected to power and allow the process to finish. If poor performance continues, check storage, login items, and app compatibility rather than immediately assuming the Mac is unsupported.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether my Mac can run a newer macOS version?
Identify the exact model and release year in About This Mac or System Information, then compare it with Apple’s official compatibility list for the macOS version you want. Software Update provides an additional automatic check.
Is the Mac model name enough to check compatibility?
Usually not. Several Mac models can share the same name but have different supported macOS versions. Record the release year and, when necessary, the Model Identifier.
Can I install a macOS version if Software Update does not show it?
Do not assume so. First confirm the model against Apple’s official list and check for administrator restrictions, storage problems, and internet issues. Avoid installers from unofficial sources.
How much free storage does a macOS upgrade require?
The amount varies by release and installer. Check the available space in System Settings > General > Storage and leave additional room for temporary installation files rather than relying on the minimum download size.
Should I update my apps before macOS?
For important apps, yes. Check the developer’s requirements and install compatible app updates before upgrading macOS when possible.
Is a backup necessary if macOS supports my Mac?
Yes. Compatibility means the Mac meets the operating system’s requirements; it does not guarantee that an installation will be problem-free.
Final Thoughts
Check compatibility in layers: identify the exact Mac model, use Software Update, compare the model with Apple’s official list, and review storage, apps, accessories, power, and backups.