The new macOS Sierra update is here. This is an exciting upgrade with Siri, Apple Pay and more. Here are seven things you should do before installing macOS Sierra.
Launched last year, Apple continues to offer new macOS Sierra features in upgrades throughout 2017. The first is macOS Sierra 10.12. Beta testers fixed many bugs, but there are still macOS Sierra issues you need to know and prepare for.
We’ve already reviewed the reasons for not installing macOS Sierra and the reasons for installing macOS Sierra to help you decide whether to continue.
Before you start installing macOS Sierra, you need to take some important steps to make sure you’re ready and avoid pitfalls that could waste your time or data.
Know How Long it Takes to Install macOS Sierra
How long does it take to download and install the macOS Sierra update.
You will need at least two hours to complete the download and installation of macOS Sierra from OS X El Capitan. This time will drop if you’re lucky and on a super fast connection, but for most people you need a reasonable amount of time. Do not try to download this in a hotspot. When you install the update, you will not be able to use your computer for approximately 45 minutes.
If you’re installing macOS Sierra 10.12.4 from a newer version of macOS Sierra, you can expect the update to take approximately one hour, including download. There will be at least 20 minutes of interruption during installation, but it can be up to 30 minutes.
Make Sure You Have a Backup
Your chances of losing any of your data are slim, but it could happen. Make sure you have a valid Time Machine backup or another backup method.
Even if you only make sure your Photos are in iCloud and your important documents are in a box service, you’ll be prepared. Seriously, don’t upgrade without backing up your important data.
This is even more important with the new Apple File System, which changes the way Apple manages storage on the Mac. Do not upgrade without backup.
Make Sure Your Mac Is Running macOS Sierra
The macOS Sierra update works on most Macs, but not every device is compatible with macOS 10.12. The following Macs can run Sierra.
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
If your Mac isn’t listed, you can find a way around it, but for most users, that’s the end of the road.
Make Sure Your Apps Are Working on macOS Sierra
Before upgrading, you should make sure your favorite apps and important business apps are running on macOS Sierra.
Most apps will run on macOS Sierra at this stage, but if you’re using a Mac for work, it’s still a very good idea to check out the apps you need to do your job.
Check with the developer of your favorite apps to see if they work with macOS Sierra. You can also check this compatible list and incompatible macOS Sierra apps.
Charge Your MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro
Before you install macOS Sierra on your MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, you need to make sure you have enough power. If you don’t normally keep your computer charged, now is a good time to plug it in and prepare yourself.
The last thing you want is to finish the download and not be able to upload because you don’t have enough battery power or your download runs out of power.
Prepare for macOS Sierra Issues
Be wary of macOS Sierra problems.
You may run into macOS Sierra issues. If you do, you should seek help with this. Apple Support Communitiesand on Match and OS X subdirectories. You will find other users who may have the same issue and learn how they fixed it.
Checking these before you start can help you know what to do if your mac freezes while installing macOS Sierra or apps don’t work after updating.
Learn New macOS Sierra Features
There are many changes in macOS Sierra, but they all consist of 10 macOS Sierra features that you should know before upgrading. These features will help you decide whether you should upgrade to macOS Sierra or wait. The slides below show 11 macOS Sierra features worth upgrading.
