The installation usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The progress bar may pause or "freeze" at certain points (like "estimating 1 minute remaining"). Leave the computer completely alone during this process. Do not unplug it or hold down the power button.

Not every Mac that runs High Sierra can make the jump to Catalina. You must first verify that your hardware is officially supported. You can find your Mac's model and year by clicking the Apple icon () in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting .

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to safely complete the upgrade without losing your data. Step 1: Check Hardware Compatibility

Use the Apple Time Machine utility or an external drive to back up your system.

Upgrading your Mac from is a direct upgrade path that revitalizes an older machine with updated application support, modern security protocols, and dedicated apps like Apple Music and Podcasts.

Wait for the list to load. Click on the column header to sort the apps.

If you just want security updates but like High Sierra, you can keep using it (though no new security patches after late 2020). A better intermediate might be – but that requires a separate guide.

Catalina is a large update. You should have at least of free space available to ensure the installation runs smoothly. 3. How to Update to macOS Catalina (10.15)

Your Mac needs at least 4GB of memory and roughly 12.5GB to 18.5GB of available storage space to run the installation smoothly. Step 2: Check for 32-Bit App Compatibility

Are you still running macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 on your Mac? If so, you're missing out on the latest features, security patches, and performance enhancements available in macOS 10.15, also known as Catalina. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of updating your Mac from macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 to 10.15.

Wait for the download to finish. It is a large file, so this may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed. 3. Run the Installer