Upgrade your MacBook to MacOS Sonoma (14.x)

Why upgrade?  

• Upgrading your Mac brings you all of the latest features and security updates available from Apple to your computer.  
• It also allows uniformity to ensure compatibility with all of our DS apps, websites, internet, printers, etc.

When should I upgrade?  

• First off….please DO NOT upgrade during the work day when you need it most!
• The best time to update is on the weekend or an evening where you do not need to use your Mac for a couple of hours.  

How do I upgrade to Sonoma?

Prep steps:

• Save any work you still have active (Note: Google Docs auto save; MS Office docs do not!).
• Connect your Mac charger for the entire upgrade process
• Ensure you are on strong, reliable, and secured WiFi signal

• Upgrading Steps (using Software Update)
  • If you are currently running MacOS Monterey (12.x) or older, go to the upper left corner of your screen, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
  • In Ventura (13.x), go to the upper left corner of your screen, choose Apple menu  > System Settings>General (in left column)>Software Update.
    • If Software Update finds new software, click the button to install it. You will be asked to enter your administrator password. This is your local Mac account password (the pw you use to log into your Mac after boot up).
      • During installation, your Mac might show a progress bar or blank screen several times. You should not put it to sleep or close its lid during the entire process!
      • If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model. Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac.
        • Note: Distinctive Schools may defer availability of some larger software upgrades and smaller updates until several weeks after release date from Apple. 
    • Pictured: software Update window in macOS "Monterey"
    • If you don't see Software Update
      If you don't see an item named Software Update in System Settings or System Preferences, click the Spotlight icon in the upper right corner of your screen, then type "Software Update" in the search field. From the search results, choose Software Update.
      If your older Mac doesn't include Software Update, use the App Store app instead. It's in your Applications folder. Click the Updates tab in the App Store to check for updates, or search for software by name.

What if I run into problems?

Macs are not perfect!  If you run into issues with your upgrade, the DS techs are here to help!  Please submit a tech ticket at help.distinctiveschools.org