Unable to upgrade to macOS High Sierra on my MacBook Pro 2010

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Level 1

16 points

Unable to upgrade to macOS High Sierra on my MacBook Pro 2010

I inherited a 2010 MacBook Pro...it's running Lion 10.7. I can't get into the App Store ("not available") to download High Sierra (the best this old thing can handle). Most webpages don't load as Safari version 6 or something like that. Trying to set this old machine up for a friend for simple email and safari. Any ideas as to how I can put high Sierra on the machine? My understanding is that that's the best this old thing can do. All thoughts welcome, and thanks in advance.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 3, 2025 05:17 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

153,634 points

Apr 3, 2025 07:14 PM in response to RMFenwick

Follow these instructions: How to download and install macOS - Apple Support.

We can't obtain High Sierra directly from Lion. Download the El Capitan installer first (under Use a web browser for older versions), install it, and then use its version of the App Store to obtain High Sierra.

That may just be the beginning of your challenges.

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Answer 2

RMFenwick Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 3, 2025 07:19 PM in response to John Galt

Appreciate the response...yes, it's going to be a challenge. I can't get to El Capitan installer from the MacBook, the App Store won't let it connect.

I did try to put the installer on a flash drive from my m1 machine, but of course the App Store told me I can't do that. Was hoping to make a boot drive and shock the old thing into the future! Thanks man, appreciate it.

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

153,634 points

Apr 3, 2025 07:37 PM in response to RMFenwick

No, you won't be using the App Store to get it. Follow those instructions, which clearly state you need to use a web browser. Lion's version of Safari ought to work, but if it does not, I have other ideas.

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Unable to upgrade to macOS High Sierra on my MacBook Pro 2010

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