This afternoon , probably around 7:00 p.m. (in mainland Spain), we will have the final version of macOS Monterey available . Called to replace macOS Big Sur, it is the second major version of macOS in the Apple Silicon era. As always, the update is completely free.
Apple has made updating macOS a breeze, especially in its latest versions. But I’m not going to talk to you only about this process, but about everything you should have ready before updating to avoid bad drinks or delays in the process. We are going to see those points step by step.
First thing: Can you install macOS Monterey?
First of all, you have to find out if your Mac is compatible with macOS Monterey, of course. All computers with an Apple Silicon chip (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max) are, and here is the list of Macs with an Intel chip that can also install the system:
- iMac– 2015 and Later Models
- iMac Pro– 2017 and Later Models
- MacBook Air– 2015 and Later Models
- MacBook Pro– 2015 and Later Models
- Mac Pro– 2013 and Later Models
- Mac mini– 2014 and later models
- MacBook(12-inch) – 2016 and later models
IN APPLESFERA
So we can check how old our Mac is, even if we don’t have it with us or it no longer works
If your Mac does not enter this list of compatible computers, it is best to update to the most recent version of macOS you can and continue using the computer as every day.
Make it however you want, but have a full backup on hand
Updating macOS is very simple, but that doesn’t mean the process isn’t delicate. We are installing a new full version of macOS, and therefore we must be prepared in case of an (unlikely) error that could jeopardize the integrity of our data.
How? Well, with a good backup , of course. It can be through Time Machine, or it can be by copying and pasting all your important files to an external disk or a directory in the cloud (or both if you want to earn honors in data maintenance). Beware of relying too much on the cloud for backup: a configuration error or forgetting passwords or authentication codes can make that data inaccessible.
Most likely, you won’t need that backup during the update, but in the event of a disaster, you can format your Mac and reinstall everything without losing a bit of your information.
Make sure you have free space
Upgrading to macOS Monterey can take up to several GB, and it may also require extra space on your Mac for the upgrade process to be successful. If you have less than 50 GB free on your Mac , keep this in mind , because the system will probably ask you to free up space before applying the update.
How can you do that? Well, deleting files that you no longer need (perhaps you can uninstall applications that you no longer use, or check the Downloads folder, which is where data is usually accumulated) or temporarily transferring some of them to an external drive.
And finally, update
If you have reviewed everything exposed so far, you have a free hand to upgrade to macOS Monterey without worrying. You can let the Mac update automatically , but if you are impatient you can do it manually by entering System Preferences, ‘Software Update’ section:
The download may take time depending on the speed you have in your internet connection and the state of Apple’s servers: during the first hours a lot of saturation is expected and therefore more waits. If you want to do it quietly and quickly, perhaps I would recommend waiting a day or two to avoid “traffic jams”.
Once the system has downloaded, the update process will begin, which can last from 30 to 120 minutes approximately depending on the age and condition of your Mac. Patience: go for a walk or watch something on Apple TV + while macOS Monterey is install. When the process is complete, you may be asked for your Apple ID password. Remember to have it on hand and enjoy the news !