Things to do Before Upgrading macOS

Before upgrading your Mac's operating system from one version to another, for example from Ventura, (13.0), or Sonoma (14.0) to Sequoia (15.0) there are some steps that you can take to prepare and make the update go smoothly.

  1. Make sure what you need for work will be compatible with the new operating system.
    1. 3rd-party software and hardware peripherals may not always be compatible with the latest operating systems, and upgrading to a compatible version might not be free. Check on the manufacturer's website to ensure compatibility.
  2. Back up your computer.
    1. Having your data backed up is always a good idea, but it can be especially helpful if anything goes wrong in the upgrade process.
    2. If you have a Time Machine backup, you can restore your computer to how it was before the upgrade.
    3. If you have your data stored in a cloud storage solution like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, you will still need to reinstall your applications, but your important data will be safe.
  3. Make sure there is at least 40 GB of free space on the hard drive. The OS downloads are large and require space to be installed.
    • A general working recommendation is to always have 15-20% free space on a hard drive.
  4. Run "First Aid" on your hard drive.

    1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
    2. Select "Macintosh HD" in the sidebar and click on the First Aid button at the top of Disk Utility.
    3. This will scan your hard drive for any software issues and repair them.
    4. If the scan comes out okay, you can proceed with the upgrade.
  5. If you have a laptop, connect your charger to prevent the battery from draining during the upgrade.

An upgrade can take about 40 minutes to over an hour to complete. During that time, the screen may go black and several loading bars may come and go. Please be patient and let it complete even if it seems like it is stuck for a few minutes. Running it overnight would be preferred. Once the upgrade is complete, you should see a login screen and can start using your computer.

If you run into any issues during an upgrade, try these troubleshooting steps, or contact the Service Desk by submitting a ticket or calling (603) 646-2999.

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