How can I upgrade FCPX on a 2017 MacBook with Big Sur?

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Level 1

4 points

How can I upgrade FCPX on a 2017 MacBook with Big Sur?

Hi all,

I am not a computer person, caution.

I have a 2017 MacBook and just updated its OS to Big Sur. The max I can update to is Ventura, if I understand correctly.

This update I did in order to update FCPX, but now the appstore is saying that in order to get the newest FCP I need an OS that is not compatible with my iDinosaur.

I have seen here that supposedly I can select a past version of FCP to update to, but that is not working, or I am too stupid to get it to work. First issue, I can't find FCPX in the list of apps I have bought, which is odd.

So, my question is: am I stuffed and forced to buy a new laptop? Or would a new brain suffice, i-e one of yours to help me sort this out?

Cheers in advance.

PS: screenshots or even videos go a longer way than unintelligible words.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Upgrade mess, need help

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Jun 25, 2025 3:19 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Luis Sequeira1

Level 9

72,768 points

Jul 1, 2025 1:13 AM in response to Denisonice

You say "update FCP", which seems to imply that you have purchased it.

In that case, you can certainly get it on your Mac. The only limitation that your OS poses is which version of FCP that you can get.

To update FCP:

1) In the App Store, click on your account (bottom left).

2) Locate FCP amongst your purchases.

2a) If you see an Update button, click it.

2b) If you see "Open", then:

2b1) Close the App Store

2b2) Drag your existing FCP from the Applications folder to the Trash - DON'T EMPTY it

2b3) In the same location in the App Store, click Download. You will be advised that the current version does not work, and allowed to get the most recent for your OS

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

135,053 points

Jun 25, 2025 6:58 AM in response to Denisonice

Sorry. I have so many versions of macOS sometimes I forget which numbers are which. So if you open the Apple Store, click on your account , then Purchased, FCP isn't listed? Did you purchase it under your Apple ID?

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

135,053 points

Jun 25, 2025 3:38 AM in response to Denisonice

You need to update to Ventura to install the current version of FCP.

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

135,053 points

Jun 27, 2025 3:16 AM in response to Denisonice

Denisonice wrote:

Wondering whether I ordered the laptop with the stuff already on.

Of course that's possible although I would have thought when you order a Mac with a Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro license it would still be listed as purchased in the App Store. But I've never ordered them with a Mac order. Maybe try Apple Support?

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