macOS 11 Big Sur: How to Get the Latest Mac Operating System
- albandorka014h7qs
- Aug 4, 2023
- 12 min read
How to Download OS X 11: A Complete Guide
OS X 11, also known as Big Sur, is the latest version of Apple's operating system for Mac computers. It was released in November 2020 and it brings a fresh look, new features, and improved performance to your Mac. If you are wondering how to download OS X 11 and enjoy its benefits, this article will show you how.
What is OS X 11 and why you should upgrade
OS X 11 is the seventeenth major release of macOS, the operating system that powers Macs. It is named after Big Sur, a scenic region in California. It is also the first version of macOS that supports both Intel-based and Apple Silicon-based Macs, which are the new Macs that use Apple's own processors instead of Intel's.
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The main features and benefits of OS X 11
OS X 11 introduces a redesigned interface that makes your Mac look more modern and consistent with iOS and iPadOS. It also adds a Control Center that gives you quick access to settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, and sound. It also updates the Notification Center with widgets that let you see information at a glance.
Another major improvement in OS X 11 is Safari, which is faster, more secure, and more customizable than ever. Safari can load web pages up to 50% faster than Chrome, block trackers and ads, translate web pages, and support more extensions. You can also customize your start page with your favorite wallpapers, bookmarks, reading list, and more.
OS X 11 also enhances some of the built-in apps on your Mac, such as Messages, Maps, Photos, Music, Podcasts, and Notes. For example, Messages lets you pin conversations, send inline replies, use Memoji stickers, and access more message effects. Maps lets you explore places in 3D, get cycling directions, and see guides from trusted sources. Photos lets you edit videos with filters, cropping, and adjustments.
The compatibility and requirements of OS X 11
OS X 11 is compatible with most Macs from 2013 or later. Here is the list of supported models:
MacBook (2015 or later)
MacBook Air (2013 or later)
MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
Mac mini (2014 or later)
iMac (2014 or later)
iMac Pro (2017 or later)
Mac Pro (2013 or later)
To check your Mac model, click the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen, then select About This Mac. You can also visit this support page for more details.
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To download and install OS X 11, you need at least 4 GB of memory and 35.5 GB of free storage space on your Mac. You also need to be running OS X 10.9 or later.
How to download and install OS X 11 from Software Update
The easiest way to download and install OS X 11 is to use Software Update on your Mac. This method is faster and requires less storage space than other methods. It also shows you only the updates that are compatible with your Mac.
The The steps to check for updates and download OS X 11
To use Software Update, follow these steps:
Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet and plugged into a power source.
Click the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences.
Click Software Update. If there are any updates available, you will see a message saying "An update is available for your Mac".
Click Update Now to start downloading OS X 11. You can also click More Info to see more details about the update.
Wait for the download to complete. You can check the progress by clicking the Software Update icon on your Dock or Menu Bar.
When the download is finished, you will see a message saying "Ready to install". Click Install Now to begin the installation.
Your Mac will restart and show you a progress bar. The installation may take several minutes or hours, depending on your Mac model and internet speed.
When the installation is done, your Mac will restart again and show you a welcome screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up OS X 11.
The tips and precautions to follow before and during the installation
Before you download and install OS X 11, you should do some preparations to ensure a smooth and successful update. Here are some tips and precautions to follow:
Back up your Mac. This is very important in case something goes wrong during the installation or you want to revert to your previous version of macOS. You can use Time Machine or another backup method to create a copy of your data.
Check your apps for compatibility. Some of your apps may not work properly or at all with OS X 11. You can check the compatibility of your apps by visiting their websites or contacting their developers. You can also use an app like RoaringApps to see a list of compatible and incompatible apps.
Free up some storage space. As mentioned earlier, you need at least 35.5 GB of free space to download and install OS X 11. You can free up some space by deleting unnecessary files, emptying the Trash, or using an app like CleanMyMac X to optimize your Mac.
Disable any antivirus or security software. Some antivirus or security software may interfere with the installation process and cause errors or delays. You can disable them temporarily before you start the update and enable them again after you finish.
Don't interrupt the installation. Once you start the installation, don't turn off your Mac, close the lid, unplug the power cord, or disconnect from the internet. Doing so may cause problems or damage your Mac. If you encounter any issues during the installation, don't panic and wait for it to finish or restart.
How to download and install OS X 11 from the App Store or your browser
If you prefer not to use Software Update, you can also download and install OS X 11 from the App Store or your browser. This method gives you more control over when and how you install OS X 11, but it also requires more storage space and time.
The alternative methods to access the OS X 11 installer
To download OS X 11 from the App Store, follow these steps:
Open the App Store on your Mac and search for OS X 11 or Big Sur.
Click the Get button next to OS X 11. This will open Software Update and start downloading OS X 11.
Follow the same steps as above to install OS X 11 from Software Update.
To download OS X 11 from your browser, follow these steps:
Open your browser and go to this link:
Click the View in Mac App Store button. This will open the App Store and show you OS X 11.
Follow the same steps as above to download and install OS X 11 from the App Store.
The steps to create a bootable installer for OS X 11
If you want to have more flexibility and options when installing OS X 11, you can create a bootable installer for OS X 11. A bootable installer is a USB drive or external drive that contains the OS X 11 installer and allows you to install OS X 11 on any compatible Mac without using the internet or Software Update.
To create a bootable installer for OS X 11, you need a USB drive or external drive with at least 16 GB of storage space and formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). You also need to download the OS X 11 installer from the App Store or your browser as described above.
Once you have the USB drive or external drive and the OS X 11 installer, follow these steps:
Connect the USB drive or external drive to your Mac.
Open Finder and go to Applications. Find the OS X 11 installer and right-click on it. Select Show Package Contents.
Go to Contents > Resources and find a file named createinstallmedia. This is the tool that will create the bootable installer.
Open Terminal and type sudo followed by a space. Then drag and drop the createinstallmedia file into Terminal. This will paste the path of the file into Terminal.
Type --volume followed by a space. Then drag and drop the USB drive or external drive into Terminal. This will paste the path of the drive into Terminal.
Type --nointeraction followed by a space. Then press Enter. This will start the process of creating the bootable installer.
Enter your administrator password when prompted and press Enter. This will confirm your permission to create the bootable installer.
Wait for the process to complete. You will see a message saying "Done" when it is finished.
Eject the USB drive or external drive and disconnect it from your Mac.
You have now created a bootable installer for OS X 11. You can use it to install OS X 11 on any compatible Mac by following these steps:
Connect the USB drive or external drive to the Mac you want to install OS X 11 on.
Turn on the Mac and hold down the Option key until you see a list of bootable drives.
Select the USB drive or external drive that contains the OS X 11 installer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install OS X 11 on your Mac.
How to troubleshoot common problems with OS X 11
While OS X 11 is designed to work smoothly and reliably on your Mac, you may encounter some problems with it from time to time. These problems may be caused by various factors, such as incompatible apps, corrupted files, insufficient storage space, or hardware issues.
The possible errors and issues that may occur during or after the installation
Some of the common errors and issues that may occur during or after the installation of OS X 11 are:
The installation fails or gets stuck. This may happen if your Mac loses power, internet connection, or storage space during the installation. It may also happen if your Mac has incompatible hardware or software, or if there are errors in the OS X 11 installer.
The installation takes too long. This may happen if your internet speed is slow, your Mac is old, or your Mac has too many files or apps. It may also happen if there are issues with your Mac's disk, memory, or battery.
Your Mac won't start up after installing OS X 11. This may happen if there are conflicts or errors in your Mac's firmware, startup disk, system files, or user files. It may also happen if your Mac has hardware damage or malfunction.
Your Mac runs slowly or freezes after installing OS X 11. This may happen if your Mac has insufficient memory, storage space, or processing power to run OS X 11 smoothly. It may also happen if your Mac has too many apps running in the background, too many files on your desktop, or too many browser tabs open.
Your apps don't work properly or at all after installing OS X 11. This may happen if your apps are not compatible with OS X 11, not updated to the latest version, or not configured correctly. It may also happen if there are errors in your app's files, preferences, or permissions.
The solutions and resources to fix them
If you encounter any of the errors or issues mentioned above, don't worry. There are some solutions and resources that can help you fix them and enjoy OS X 11 on your Mac. Here are some of them:
Restart your Mac. This is the simplest and most effective solution for many problems. Restarting your Mac can clear the cache, reset the memory, and resolve any minor glitches or conflicts. To restart your Mac, click the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen, then select Restart.
Use Safe Mode. This is a special mode that starts your Mac with only the essential system files and drivers. It can help you troubleshoot and fix problems with your startup disk, system files, or user files. To use Safe Mode, turn off your Mac, then turn it on and hold down the Shift key until you see the Apple logo. To exit Safe Mode, restart your Mac normally.
Use Recovery Mode. This is another special mode that lets you access some tools and options to repair or reinstall your Mac's operating system. It can help you fix problems with your disk, firmware, or OS X 11 installer. To use Recovery Mode, turn off your Mac, then turn it on and hold down Command and R keys until you see the Apple logo. To exit Recovery Mode, restart your Mac normally.
Use Disk Utility. This is a tool that lets you check and repair your Mac's disk for errors or corruption. It can help you fix problems with your disk's structure, format, or partition. To use Disk Utility, open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. Select your disk from the sidebar and click First Aid.
Use Activity Monitor. This is a tool that lets you monitor and manage the processes and resources on your Mac. It can help you fix problems with your Mac's performance, memory, CPU, or battery. To use Activity Monitor, open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. Click the tabs at the top to see different aspects of your Mac's activity.
Update or uninstall your apps. This can help you fix problems with your apps' compatibility, functionality, or stability. To update your apps, open the App Store and click Updates on the sidebar. To uninstall your apps, drag them from the Applications folder to the Trash.
Contact Apple Support. If none of the above solutions work for you, or if you have a serious problem that requires professional assistance, you can contact Apple Support for help. You can visit their website, call their phone number, chat with them online, or make an appointment at an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.
Conclusion
OS X 11 is a great update that makes your Mac more beautiful, powerful, and secure. It is compatible with most Macs from 2013 or later and it is free to download and install. You can download and install OS X 11 from Software Update, the App Store, or your browser. You can also create a bootable installer for OS X 11 if you want more flexibility and options.
If you encounter any problems with OS X 11 during or after the installation, don't panic. There are some solutions and resources that can help you fix them and enjoy OS X 11 on your Mac.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to download OS X 11 and how to troubleshoot common problems with it. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about OS X 11:
Q: How long does it take to download and install OS X 11?A: The time it takes to download and install OS X 11 depends on several factors, such as your internet speed, your Mac model, and the method you use to download and install OS X 11. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Q: How much space does OS X 11 take up on my Mac?A: The size of OS X 11 may vary depending on your Mac model and configuration. However, according to Apple's website, OS X 11 requires at least 35.5 GB of free storage space to download and install.
Q: Can I go back to my previous version of macOS after installing OS X 11?A: Yes, you can go back to your previous version of macOS if you have a backup of it. You can use Time Machine or another backup method to restore your Mac to its previous state before installing OS X 11.
Q: How do I update OS X 11 to the latest version?A A: You can update OS X 11 to the latest version by using Software Update on your Mac. To do so, click the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences. Click Software Update and check for any updates available. If there are any, click Update Now to download and install them.
Q: How do I get help with OS X 11?A: If you need help with OS X 11, you can visit Apple's support website, where you can find articles, guides, videos, and forums about OS X 11. You can also contact Apple Support by phone, chat, or email, or make an appointment at an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.
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