Install newer OS on Mid 2011 Imac

dialabrain wrote:

FWIW, there is no benefit of trying to run a later version of macOS on a Mac that can't take advantage of the features.

I can think of one.

The ability to run application software that requires a later version of macOS, but that doesn't rely on whatever features caused Apple to drop OS support for the old Mac.

A new game might depend on Metal, and an AI noise reduction program might depend on the Machine Learning frameworks (and fast hardware behind them). But a newer Web browser might not.

If the OP's real problem is being stuck with an outdated version of Safari (tied to High Sierra), I'd suggest that he download and install Firefox (which is still getting updates for High Sierra). That would be much less risky than patching the OS. Likewise, if he needs an office suite, the LibreOffice site still has a version (7.4.something – the second-to-latest) that will install and run on his machine.

Well technically you can, just remember it’s going to take a long time for you

1. No.

2. The missing component is a Metal-capable graphics card, which isn't upgradable on iMacs.

4. In general, easily going back to a previous OS version requires having made a backup of it; this can be done with Time Machine on Catalina or earlier, or by creating a bootable clone.

(240799)

PeteIPaduk wrote:

1/2 - Ive read and seen witness on patching sites that this is a nice to have - but many macs are capable and are running newer OS.

FWIW, there is no benefit of trying to run a later version of macOS on a Mac that can't take advantage of the features.

According to MacTracker, macOS High SIerra (10.13.6) is the latest version of macOS that you can install on the 21.5" and 27" Mid 2011 iMacs.

You may find sites on the Internet that claim that you can patch newer versions of macOS to run on your Mac – possibly with some stuff not working (or not working well). (Your Mac might not have hardware that the newer versions of macOS rely upon. And the people who provide patch kits generally wouldn't have access to source code for the OS or as much depth of knowledge about the OS as the people who wrote it.)

If you do run a patched copy of macOS, you do so at your own risk. Presumably installing High Sierra on a USB hard drive, and keeping that hard drive to fall back upon (should things go wrong) would be a good idea. But I won't promise that in every possible scenario where things go wrong, that it will be possible to fall back, or that you'll have the expertise and presence of mind to be able to do so.

You break it with these sort of modifications, it's your responsibility. Not ours as fellow customers.

Servant of Cats wrote:

I can think of one.

The ability to run application software that requires a later version of macOS, but that doesn't rely on whatever features caused Apple to drop OS support for the old Mac.

There's no guarantee such an app exists.

PeteIPaduk wrote:

if your stock answer is

a. no you cant.

High Sierra 10.13.6 is the latest version of macOS supported by Apple for a 2011 Mac.

b. why are you doing this buy a new apple product because I'm employed by apple to push you to do so.

Please save your breath.

I wish I was employed by Apple. If I was I wouldn't be here. 😎