Revision 10 as of 2026-01-16 14:33:09

Upgrading your MacOS Version

Why upgrade?

Upgrading your Mac is recommended because it brings security, performance, and usability improvements. These benefits are outlined below.

Security

  • It is essential to run a supported and up-to-date macOS version, as this helps mitigate known security vulnerabilities on managed devices.
  • Apple follows a support lifecycle and stops providing updates and security patches for older macOS versions. Once unsupported, your Mac becomes a security risk.
  • Apple only supports the three most recent macOS versions.
  • The antivirus solution Sophos no longer receives updates on unsupported macOS versions.
  • Keeping macOS up to date ensures you receive the latest Safari browser updates, helping to provide safer internet browsing.

Performance

  • Bug fixes for crashes, WI-FI and Bluetooth performance.
  • Application compatibility like ensuring that Microsoft Office Suite and Cisco VPN work and are supported.

Usability Improvements

  • Allows access to the latest features in macOS, such as Apple Intelligence.
  • Provides improved integration features, including iPhone Mirroring and other continuity enhancements.

Preparation to upgrade

  • Have you got time to upgrade? the process usually varies depending on network connection. If on Wi-Fi factor in a minimum of 1 hour.
  • Ensure you have your MacBook connected to mains power.

  • Ensure you have a stable wifi/network connection.
  • Have you closed all browsers and saved/backed up all documents?.

How to upgrade

  • The normal path to upgrade is via the System Settings → General → Software Update
  • If you get prompted to provide an administrator user name and password and are not able to update this way then please launch the Self Service App and look out for the upgrade policy options within Core Software.

Help with upgrading


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