
Have you done a backup? This is a must before upgrading! If you are not sure how to do a backup of your Mac, here is a members-only tutorial that describes provides the step-by-step instructions on how to do such a backup. The most common example of such apps is the Office for Mac 2011 suite of apps (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook). Here's an article that describes how to check what 32-bit apps you have (an article that appeared in relation to the Catalina launch): Apple's Catalina won't support a handful of apps - here's an easy way to see which of yours are incompatible. Do you have any 32-bit apps on your Mac - as these will no longer work with Big Sur (or with the previous MacOS, Catalina). Is your Mac actually able to be upgraded? (Here's the Apple Support page that lists the devices that can be upgraded: macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers. If you are really keen about upgrading now, there are some key things to consider before proceeding with the upgrade. 6 Reasons Not to Install macOS Catalina & 12 Reasons to Install macOS 10.15.3. Here is an article that discusses whether or not you should install Big Sur On these older devices, I would be especially cautious about upgrading at this point. So be prepared that such upgrades may be required.Īnd there are a few reports of Big Sur causing more significant issues for older MacBook Pro's (2013-2014) - where the device may end up 'bricked', and need to be sent off for repair.
For example, my Parallels app (which allows me to run Windows on my Mac) wouldn't load after upgrade - and required an update to operate again.
You may find that certain apps will require upgrading to work under Big Sur - and, in the early days, there is a chance (lower as time goes on) that you may have an app that does not yet support Big Sur. For those of considering whether to upgrade, I would suggest delaying for a little while - and letting the early versions of Big Sur 'settle in' before taking the risk of upgrading.