This evening at 7 p.m. macOS High Sierra, the major annual update for your iMac and MacBook, will be released. With these tips you prepare your Mac optimally for the new operating system.
Install macOS High Sierra: you need to know this in advance
To avoid annoying situations and problems on the night of the update, it is smart to prepare your Mac for the update. This shouldn’t take much time, as you can just let your Mac run in the background much of the time. If you’re making the switch from Sierra to macOS High Sierra, read the tips below.
1. Check if your Mac supports macOS High Sierra
Before you prepare your Mac completely for macOS High Sierra, it is important that the device also supports the update. Apple has released a list that states exactly what the minimum requirements are to install the new version. If your device is newer than the one in the list below, then you’re in the right place. If you have an older Mac, you will be stuck with OS X 10.11 El Capitan. The good news is that all Macs that were able to run macOS Sierra last year can also work with High Sierra.
- MacBook: from 2009 and newer
- MacBook Air: from 2010 and newer
- MacBook Pro: from 2010 and newer
- iMac: from 2009 and newer
- Mac Mini: from 2010 and newer
- Mac Pro: from 2010 and newer
2. Back up your system
Although updating is smooth in many cases, you may encounter problems. That is why it is good to make a backup of your system beforehand so that you cannot lose important data. In this case, this is no superfluous luxury, because with High Sierra your Mac makes the switch to the Apple File System, a new file format that converts all your files.
We recommend backing up your Mac with Time Machine. This program is installed by default on every Apple computer and is by far the easiest way to make a backup. If you are already using Time Machine, it is good to check whether everything is set correctly. In any case, we recommend backing up your hard drive regularly, for example weekly or monthly.
3. Clean up your Mac
With every update it is useful to see if you have enough storage space available. Apple’s updates always take up several gigabytes of space, while you also need 2GB of RAM. Most Macs will meet the latter, but if you do not have enough storage, then you have to get started. For example, delete unnecessary files or photos, or temporarily move large files to an external hard drive. In addition, a major update is always a good time to see which files you no longer need.
4. Have your Apple ID information ready
When macOS High Sierra has finished installing, you will most likely be asked for your Apple ID. So make sure you have found the linked e-mail address and your password in advance, so that you do not run into problems. This way you can complete the installation smoothly and smoothly. If you don’t remember your Apple ID details, you can access them this page request.
5. Connect to a stable and reliable network
As mentioned, the macOS High Sierra update is larger than intermediate Mac updates, so you have to download a lot of data. A good and stable WiFi connection is essential. It is best to connect to your WiFi network at home, because then you are usually fine.
However, be careful when you download macOS Sierra via a public Wi-Fi connection. Public networks are usually a lot slower, but also less secure. Avoid problems and install the update at home or via the Wi-Fi connection of a friend or family member.
6. Allow for a long waiting time
When the update comes out later this month, people around the world will try to download it. This can mean that you run into longer download times than is normally the case. If you really can’t wait, you can download the update at 7:01 PM, but it’s often smarter to wait a few hours. Then you have downloaded and installed High Sierra in no time. This is also a great opportunity to keep an eye out for possible bugs and other problems that other people encounter. Knowing more? Check out our extensive macOS High Sierra preview.
Read the latest news about macOS High Sierra
- 3 ways to safely remove apps from your Mac (24-12-2018)
- Tip: Organize macOS System Preferences according to your needs (3-9-2018)
- Apple is releasing macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 with AirPlay 2 and more (7/9/2018)
- Apple releases macOS High Sierra 10.13.5 with Messages in iCloud (6/1/2018)
- Tip: This is how you install Windows on your Mac with Boot Camp (5/23/2018)