Appalachian State University's IT currently follows the model of supporting the latest released version of macOS (following an internal testing period) and one version previous. Currently, supported versions include macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and macOS 11 (Big Sur).
In January 2021, ITS began notifying users of their available eligibility for macOS upgrades in an effort to ensure system security. The message you see will depend upon how many versions back from our recommended version of macOS you are currently running and what your Mac is eligible to run.
WARNING:
Upgrades, while generally very safe, do run minimal risk of data loss. Please ensure your data is backed up to another location before initiating any upgrade. One of our Desktop Support Specialists will be happy to assist with this process. Please visit tech.appstate.edu and submit a request for Computer Support.
Device Running Currently Recommended MacOS Version
Congratulations, if your Mac is running the currently recommended version of macOS, you should not receive notifications to upgrade your OS. However, please still be diligent about installing any necessary updates as they become available.
Mac Running a Supported Version of macOS (Eligible for Currently Recommended Version)
If your Mac is running one version behind our recommended version, you will see the following notification once per month. Upgrade using the "Upgrade" button or through Self Service at your earliest convenience. After pressing the Upgrade button on the notification, Self Service will open to the upgrade screen. Make sure to read the description before proceeding, which will detail any requirements. Click here for more specific information on the upgrade process.
If you have already closed the notification prompt for the available upgrade you can install it at any time in Self Service.
Mac Running an Unsupported Version of macOS (Eligible for Currently Recommended Version)
If your Mac is running a supported version but is eligible to run the currently recommended version, you will see the following notification once per week. Upgrade using the "Upgrade" button or through Self Service at your earliest convenience.
If you have already closed the notification prompt for the available upgrade you can install it at any time in Self Service.
Mac Running an Unsupported Version of macOS (Eligible for a Supported Version)
If your Mac is running an unsupported version but is eligible to run a supported version, you will see the following notification once per week. Upgrade using the "Upgrade" button or through Self Service at your earliest convenience.
If you have already closed the notification prompt for the available upgrade you can install it at any time in Self Service.
Insufficient Space to upgrade macOS (macOS 11 = 35GB, macOS 10.15 = 19GB)
If your Mac meets one of the available upgrade options and your Mac does not have enough free disk space to upgrade you will see the notification below. You can free up space by following the guidance at Apple Support or one of our Desktop Support Specialists will be happy to assist with this process. Please visit tech.appstate.edu and submit a request for Computer Support. Once you have freed up disk space you can find the available upgrade in Self Service.
Mac Running an Unsupported Version of macOS (Not Eligible for a Supported Version)
If your Mac is running two or more versions behind our recommended version, and your Mac is not eligible to run the latest recommended operating system version, your Mac has reached "End-of-Life" and should be replaced at the earliest opportunity. Please see one of our Desktop Support Specialists who will be happy to assist with this process. Please visit tech.appstate.edu and submit a request for Computer Support.