You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

software updates

If I can't find software updates on System Preferences, how do I find it?

MacBook Air 13″, OS X 10.10

Posted on Aug 2, 2021 4:12 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 2, 2021 4:51 PM

See the following from Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

If your Mac doesn't include Software Update, use the App Store to get updates


The following may also help:


The model year of a MacBook Air is available at Apple menu > About This Mac.

A late-2010 through mid-2011 MacBook Air can be upgraded to High Sierra 10.13.6 but no later version.

A mid-2012 MacBook Air can be upgraded to Catalina 10.15.7. See: How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

A mid-2013 or later can be upgraded to the current version of Big Sur. See: How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 2, 2021 4:51 PM in response to tranagail

See the following from Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

If your Mac doesn't include Software Update, use the App Store to get updates


The following may also help:


The model year of a MacBook Air is available at Apple menu > About This Mac.

A late-2010 through mid-2011 MacBook Air can be upgraded to High Sierra 10.13.6 but no later version.

A mid-2012 MacBook Air can be upgraded to Catalina 10.15.7. See: How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

A mid-2013 or later can be upgraded to the current version of Big Sur. See: How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support

Aug 3, 2021 1:50 AM in response to tranagail

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.


With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install. Make sure to use Only Safari to commence the download as Others may not work


Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina and Big Sur Only support 64 bit and there is no workaround.


Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation

software updates

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.