Old Macbook and OS update trouble

Suelaptop24 wrote:

Thank you. It sounds complicated with the space and then a back -up.

My Mac Book is a 2011.

This computer has had a long life ( 2011 in 2024 = 13 years old )

To run a newer version of macOS ?

This machine has reached the highest it can run, macOS 10.13 High Sierra released in 2007

Shop for a New or newer Apple Computer

Explore the Apple Trade-In  Process where the Value of the exiting device could be used against the cost of a new Apple Computer.

Notation - Some devices and depending on the computers age may have little to no value at Trade In time.

But at least the device will not arrive to the Land Fill Site and be recycled in a responsible way by Apple

Or Shop Refurbished Apple computers at an Apple Reduced Cost

Have used both previously and have been satisfied each time.

UpGrade is moving from Current Version installed on the computer to a Newer Qualifying Version of macOS

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.

Does this computer appear as Listed and qualifying for an upGrade to a newer version of macOS ? 

With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install.

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

If Yes, suggest having at least 50 GB of Empty Space on the drive.

It will allow the Full Version ( about 12.xx GB ) to download, then expand and then commence to install.

If there is Third Party Security Software installed - remove it.

It will interfere with both the download and installation process.

The below links will help identify which version of macOS  this computer may Qualify to run.

macOS Sequoia compatible Computers 

macOS Sonoma is compatible with these computers

Computer Qualifying for macOS 13 Ventura 

Computer Qualify for the Monterey upgrade

macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements

macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements

Always make a Time Machine Backup  before doing any upDates / upGrades