Upgrading to macOS Big Sur

I am finally trying to upgrade my Macbook Air from Mojave to Big Sur. However in order to upgrade it is stated that I need 16.16GB of space. However my laptop only has a 4GB memory. Does this mean I cannot do this update or is there another way around it? Thanks so much. Cheers.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Aug 21, 2023 9:44 AM

Similar questions

Upgrade: MacBookPro 13inch Mid2012 - 8gb Memory to 16 or Higher and Storage 1tb from 240SSD I would like to upgrade my MacBook pro (mid-2012) memory (8GB DDR3 to 16GB or more) and storage 240 GB SSD to 1 TB SSD and install a new OS, At the moment Catalina 10.15.7 is running on my laptop. Kindly share your insights on whether it is possible for me to upgrade the memory and storage and install the latest OS. Much appreciated your help. Regards Yesan
830 5
Macbook Air upgrading to Ventura 1-) My system takes so much space on my laptop like 121 GB even though I deleted almost everything. 2-) I need to upgrade my macbook but I cannot because of the lack of space.
560 4
Not enough memory when trying to upgrade a MacBook Air I want to upgrade my OS from Catalina to any of the other operating systems available. But Big Sur and Monterey give me an error that I do not have enough memory on my current laptop. My MacBook Air doesn't have the ability to add memory. The question is: Are there any of the newer OS which require less memory than Big Sur does that would enable me to upgrade? I really only wanted to go with Big Sur because some apps are now saying "only available with iOS 11.xx or above" Finder shows I have 26G available. Big Sur says it is only 15G so I don't know why it won't upgrade. Sorry, completely uneducated on all of this, so I guess it has to do with keeping the old one on board while the new one is getting set up or something.. Thank You. (PS I do have Entrecheck Pro and can run it and post it if anyone wants) [Edited by Moderator]
8584 5

2 replies

Aug 21, 2023 9:53 AM in response to mahatma226

4GB is your MacBook Air memory, not storage space.

To see the amount of your storage, see the following from Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

Earlier versions of macOS: Choose Apple menu  > About This Mac, then click Storage.

That same support article has other information if you need to free up storage space.

mahatma226 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 21, 2023 12:52 PM in response to FoxFifth

Thank you so much. I figured it was something silly like that. Thanks again.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Upgrading to macOS Big Sur

Welcome to Apple Support Community

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

Learn more Sign up