The first step is simple and it means checking compatibility. You have to make sure your Mac device will support Big Sur. If you have an old Mac, unfortunately, it may not be compatible with this OS.
- Check out if all the apps on the Mac are fully updated to their latest versions and make sure they support Big Sur. If you are not fully sure that a particular application will be working with the new OS, you can check it with its developer: just use their website or search for their profile on social media to see if they support this operating system. If the developer doesn’t support Big Sur and this app is significant for you to have, think twice before upgrading the OS on the Mac. Of course, you always can try to install a new OS alongside the current system.
- Clean up the computer or a laptop. Of course, the system itself doesn’t take a huge amount of space but anyway the problem when you have not enough space on the Mac can occur. Sometimes, deleting duplicate pictures, junk files, or apps you don’t use for long is quite helpful. In addition, it’s always good to free up some space from something you don’t need at all! Needless to say, cleaning the computer from the trash helps to organize your device.
- Back up the data before you do something. Updating your operating system is a step that requires all your important data to be saved properly. If something happens, you can easily get your information from the backup files you created beforehand. Please do not ignore this step, so it will help you to stay calm and happy. We want to remind you that it’s possible to create backups on the Mac using Time Machine.
- Select the way to update the system. You can choose from two variants: the first is to use the Big Sur installer, and the second is to use Migration Assistant. If you select the first method, it will install all the new files over the existing OS. It won’t change any of your personal files until they are a part of the operating system. Using the Migration Assistant means moving your data from the old device to the new one, but it can also be used for upgrading the OS on the Mac. You just have to create two drives (one is for updates and another to keep your data). For some users, it’s simpler to keep the new operating system on one drive and work from another drive.
As you can see, it’s not so difficult to get prepared. First of all, this can keep you away from data loss and any unexpected situations with the new OS. We wish you good luck with upgrading your software and feel satisfied from work with Big Sur. Of course, if something doesn’t fit your expectations or needs, you know exactly how to downgrade without any troubles.