- I think you can upgrade to El Capitan. Go to this web page, select your specific Mac model from this list, click on the associated link, and then look form 'Pre-Installed Mac OS'. It will show the maximum version of OS X you can install, and from what I could see chances are you can go to 10.11 (El Capitan).
- MacOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages.
- Open that app from your Applications folder to begin installing the operating system. MacOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion; OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard; OS X Yosemite 10.10 can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard.
As posted above, you can find an El Capitan DMG available for download directly from Apple here: Download an old version of OS X Since you restored your iMac to Lion, I'm guessing your device is.
OS X El Capitan has arrived and there are a few things you should know: The first, what are the installation requirements? And the second, how can you prepare your Mac for OS X El Capitan?
Which Mac models can upgrade to OS X El Capitan?
These ones:
| iMac | MacBook Pro | MacBook Air |
| Mid-2007 or newer | 13-inch, Mid 2009 or newer; 15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or newer; 17-inch, Late 2007 or newer | Late 2008 or newer |
| MacBook | Mac Pro® | Mac mini |
| Early 2015 | Early 2008 or newer | Early 2009 or newer |
| Xserve | MacBook® | |
| Early 2009 | Late 2008 Aluminum, Early 2009 or newer |
Version, Memory, and Space Requirements for El Capitan
OS X Version: Mountain Lion (10.8), most models. Mavericks (10.9) or higher — all models.
How to check it:
- Click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen.
- Select 'About This Mac.'
The number underneath 'OS X' is your version number.
If you're running a version of OS X older than 10.8, look into upgrading your OS X. Also, Apple notes that Metal is only available on 'all Macs since 2012'.
RAM: 4 GB (preferably 8 GB)
In the same menu you have the 'Memory' tab. If you have less than 4 GB RAM, you'll have to look into upgrading your RAM.
Disk Space: 15 GB to 20 GB of free space on drive
Next to 'Memory,' select 'Storage' tab. In front of the multi-colored bar, you will see the phrase, 'X.XX GB free out of XX.XX GB.' If you don't have at least 15 GB of free space, look into cleaning your Mac with cleanup tool, like CleanMyMac 3.
1 Clean Up Your Mac
A fresh OS X needs a fresh Mac. So to begin with, let's take a look at cleaning up a few things. The easiest (and fastest) way to get yourself a cleaner Mac is by running a scan with CleanMyMac 3. It cleans out:
- System junk
- Unused apps
- Large & old files
- Browser caches
- iTunes broken downloads
- Unnecessary extensions
- Old iOS updates
- User caches & logs
- Copies of Mail attachments
Besides cleaning, it speeds up your Mac with maintenance scripts and keeps hardware safe with Health Monitors. Get CleanMyMac 3 now and run a scan to see how much junk you can clean up.
If you have OS X version 10.8, download the previous version, CleanMyMac Classic.
2 Back Up Your Mac
Mac Os X Lion Download
And now that your Mac is clean, you should definitely back it up. Why? You never know what will happen when upgrading your operating system. Plus, it's just good practice to back it up every so often, you know, just in case.
- Go to your Applications folder.
- Select Time Machine.
- 'Select Backup Disk…'
Note: You may need to first choose to 'Set Up Time Machine.' - Choose where you'd like to store your backup.
- An external drive or an Airport Time Capsule is good.
Mac Os X El Capitan
- Change the switch, located on the left, from 'OFF' to 'ON.'
- To the right, under the name of the storage device, you'll see 'Oldest backup,' 'Latest backup,' and 'Next backup' — Your backup should begin in 5 minutes. If you don't feel like waiting, click the arrow clock icon next to the Date & Time at the top-right of the menu bar and select 'Back Up Now.'
We hope this guide has helped you. Try these mentioned steps and enjoy your quick Mac with OS X El Capitan on it. In any case - start with CleanMyMac 3 to be ready for El Capitan.
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