Before upgrading to macOS 10.15, it's essential to prepare your Mac for the update. Here are some steps to take:
Your Mac may open the Software Update pane in System Preferences to pull down the file.
macOS Catalina is the first version of macOS that completely drops support for 32-bit applications . High Sierra allows these apps to run, but Catalina will block them entirely. Older versions of Microsoft Office (like Office 2011), Adobe Creative Suite, and legacy utilities will stop working. Upgrade to macOS Catalina. - Apple
Wait a few moments for the list to load, then look at the column labeled .
When the installation finishes, you will be greeted by the macOS Catalina setup assistant. how to update macos high sierra 10.13.6 to 10.15
If your Mac supports it (2013–2019 models generally do), upgrade to macOS Monterey (12) or Ventura (13) for continued security patches. Use the same App Store method.
Since 10.13.6 is an older version, the update will not appear in "Software Update." You must use the App Store. Open the macOS Catalina page in the Mac App Store. Click or Download .
Before you start, note that . Apps like older versions of Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop will stop working. macOS - How to Upgrade - Apple (SI)
| Problem | Solution | |--------|----------| | “This copy of the Install macOS Catalina application is damaged” | Set date manually: Open Terminal → date 0101010116 (temporarily) | | Installer freezes at “less than a minute remaining” | Wait 30+ minutes. Restart if stuck (safe to interrupt). | | Mac restarts into High Sierra | The installer failed. Redownload from App Store and try again. | | “You may not install to this volume because it is currently being encrypted” | Go to → turn off encryption first, then install. | Before upgrading to macOS 10
Always plug your MacBook into a wall outlet during an OS update to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Step 3: Back Up via Time Machine
Use the Apple Time Machine utility or an external drive to back up your system.
Click the in the top-left corner of your screen. Select About This Mac .
Not every Mac running High Sierra can handle Catalina. Apple dropped support for several older machines due to the requirement for Metal-capable graphics processors (GPUs). High Sierra allows these apps to run, but
Upgrading across multiple generations of macOS requires deep system adjustments. Complete these preparation steps to prevent data loss or broken software environments. The 32-Bit App Warning
Apple Menu ➔ App Store ➔ Search / Link ➔ Get/Download ➔ Applications Folder ➔ Run Installer 1. Get the Official Link
Do not skip this step. If the upgrade is interrupted by a power failure or a system crash, you risk losing all your data. Connect an external hard drive, open Time Machine from your System Preferences, and click Back Up Now . Step 4: Download and Install macOS Catalina 10.15
, you must first verify your hardware's compatibility and then manually download the installer via the App Store, as it won't appear in the standard "Software Update" window. Step 1: Check Compatibility