Mac: Upgrading your Operating System
Overview - You Need These Things:
At least 45 GB of available storage space (storage can be cleared out at home or school)
Any Adobe software that needs to be removed should be done through Creative Cloud NOT the Applications Folder
You could Update first if you are not on 11.7.10 - follow the directions here
Upgrade At Home: The student computer running macOS 11 (Big Sur), plugged into an electrical outlet and charging with an Apple charger
The upgrade installer is found in FTIS Self Service NOT System Preferences/Settings
Set aside roughly 1 hour of time to perform the upgrade
The guide below gives you detailed steps to accomplish these tasks - follow each step
Students need to develop a habit of upgrading their operating systems.
Currently, student devices need to be operating on MacOS 12 or greater.
Step 1: Check your Storage
Click on the Apple
Click "About this Mac"
Click Storage
You should see that you are on MacOS Big Sur
This is getting upgraded!
Check the Storage
The example above only has 17.81 GB - this is not enough.
Go to Step 2 if you have less than 45 GB of available space.
Scroll down to Step 3 if you have more than 45 GB
Step 2: Clean up your Hard Drive
You need 45 GB of storage on your hard drive drive to intall and download the upgrade. Here are strategies to help you clear that space.
- Delete Old Files
On your MacBook review the files in your Downloads, Desktop and Documents area and move to Trash anything you no longer need
Empty your Trash
Watch the video if you don't know how to do these things
Check your Storage to see if you have at least 45GB to download the Upgrade
2. Move files to your Cloud Storage
Move things to your Google Drive
If you don't know how to do that - check out the video
3. Delete ALL Downloads
Completely Clear Out your Downloads folder.
There should be nothing in it! Sort everything you need to save into an appropriate folder in your Google Drive.
To select all files: Click on the top file >> Press and hold Shift >> Scroll to the Bottom and Click on the last File
Drag to the Trash or use Control + Click to Select Move Trash
Empty the Trash
4. Delete Photos from Photo Booth
Open Photo Booth
Select the photos to delete
Press and hold Control + Click the photos and choose Delete
Empty the Trash
5. Run a smaller update
Running a smaller update will free up some space. If you are below, 11.7.10 you can update to that macOS by following complete directions here
Underneath “Other updates are available” select “More info" (Do NOT click Upgrade Now).
Check Storage
Click on the Apple
Click "About this Mac"
Click Storage
You should see that you are on MacOS Big Sur
This is getting upgraded!
Check the Storage
The example above only has 17.81 GB - this is not enough.
Go to Step 2 if you have less than 45 GB of available space.
Scroll down to Step 3 if you have more than 45 GB
Uninstall Software
Temporarily Uninstall Adobe Software
Adobe Software takes up A LOT of space. You can quickly grab back GB by briefly uninstalling the software and then reinstalling it once you have updated your macOS.
You must do this through Creative Cloud - you will not be able to delete from Applications.
If you don't know how to do that, the video to the right will show you in right about a minute.
Check your storage again once you have finished uninstalling.
Click on Creative Cloud
Very top of Screen - shaped like an infinity symbol.
Uninstall
Click the three dots next to the program you want to uninstall and choose "Uninstall"
Check Storage
Click on the Apple
Click "About this Mac"
Click Storage
You should see that you are on MacOS Big Sur
This is getting upgraded!
Check the Storage
The example above only has 17.81 GB - this is not enough.
Go to Step 2 if you have less than 45 GB of available space.
Scroll down to Step 3 if you have more than 45 GB
If you have enough space cleared, go to Step 3. After you have upgraded reinstall the Adobe programs you need.
At this point, if you can't get to 45GB of free space, your computer will have to be collected to be restored.
Step 3: at HOME - Run the Upgrade in FTIS Self-Service
1. At home, plug your MacBook into an electrical outlet with an Apple Charger in a safe space where you can leave the lid open
2. Restart your Machine by going to the Apple >> Restart
3. Click on FTIS Self Service
Located in the Dock
4. Upgrade to macOS 14 (Sonoma)
Press Install
This will take a lot of time. It is best to do this overnight.
5. Enter your Password
Your username should auto populate - enter your District password that you use to unlock your computer.
6. Connect to Power
If your computer is not connected to power - you MUST do this now.
7. Downloading macOS
It will take a few minutes to locate and download, be patient
8. Upgrading Begins
This is where you leave the lid open and the computer to do the work *You may see a different image here depending on what you are upgrading to
9. Log In
Once the upgrade is complete, your computer will restart and you will need to log back in with your District username and password.
Success!!!
Click on the Apple >> About this Mac and you should see macOS Sonoma
*Again depending on which upgrade you are installing this may look different