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when i follow the instructions to update my os, it says there are no updates available

I have an older MacBook Air that needs an update to the OS. When I follow the instructions, it tells me no updates available. Looking for some help.

MacBook Air 13″, OS X 10.10

Posted on Nov 15, 2021 6:03 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 15, 2021 6:11 PM

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

A mid 2009 MacBook Air can be upgraded to El Capitan 10.11.6 but no later version. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

A late 2010 through mid 2011 MacBook Air can be upgraded to High Sierra 10.13.6 but no later version. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

A mid 2012 MacBook Air can be upgraded to Catalina 10.15.7. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

A mid 2013 and early 2014 can be upgraded to the current version of Big Sur. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

An early 2015 or later can be upgraded to the current version of Monterey. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212735

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 15, 2021 6:11 PM in response to splace22

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

A mid 2009 MacBook Air can be upgraded to El Capitan 10.11.6 but no later version. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

A late 2010 through mid 2011 MacBook Air can be upgraded to High Sierra 10.13.6 but no later version. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

A mid 2012 MacBook Air can be upgraded to Catalina 10.15.7. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

A mid 2013 and early 2014 can be upgraded to the current version of Big Sur. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

An early 2015 or later can be upgraded to the current version of Monterey. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212735

Nov 16, 2021 2:11 AM in response to splace22

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.  For Best results use Safari to commence the download as Others may not work.


Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence


One may consider upGrading to High Sierra first if considering upgrading to any version above High Sierra. This may better position the computer for the Drive Conversion to the newer APFS format as well as any EFI BOOT ROM required to use the newer file format.


Tips Big Sir Upgrade Released Nov 2020


Tips Monterey Upgrade  Released Oct 25, 2021


Make Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS


Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina, Big Sur & Monterey supports only 64 bit and there is no workaround.


Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.


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

Nov 16, 2021 11:01 AM in response to splace22

In addition to the very useful information above, I think that you do not understand the difference between an update and an upgrade. When you check in the About This Mac window it may show what udate is available the current operating system you have installed. A system upgrade may also be shown there, but not always. Upgrades are usually available via the Apple app store. Updates and upgrades are two different things

when i follow the instructions to update my os, it says there are no updates available

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