Select 'Use Disk' in the new popup window.Select the external drive you connected to your Mac.From your Mac menu bar, go to Apple > System Preferences > Time Machine.This is where your backup will be stored. Here's how to create a backup of your Mac using Time Machine: It's important to do as often as possible. The purpose of creating a backup is most often to have a recent save point you can reboot from. When you backup your Mac, you're making a compressed version of your entire operating system. When you use Time Machine, it keeps what's called an 'image' of your Mac, which is what a backup really is. When it's time to back your Mac up, Apple has an official method dubbed Time Machine. When you want to upgrade macOS, keep in mind the latest version of macOS is only available for these models: Note: To see how much available storage space you have, follow the two step process above, then 'Storage' tab at the top of the window. These are important to know, as upgrading to the latest version of macOS – macOS 12 Monterey – requires 26 GB of storage if you are upgrading from macOS Sierra or newer, and up to 44 GB of storage available on your Mac if you are upgrading from an older macOS. This will tell you what year your Mac was made, the version of macOS or OS X you're currently on, the computer's RAM (Memory), processor, and which graphics card your Mac has. Select 'About This Mac' from the drop down menu.

From the menu bar on your Mac, select the Apple icon on the top left.To see what specs your Mac has, follow these steps: If an error occurs while installing an update or upgrade, learn how to resolve installation issues.Check the General Requirements (and Hardware) If you downloaded any apps from the App Store, use the App Store to get updates for those apps.

When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then macOS and all of the apps it installs are up to date, including Safari, Messages, Mail, Music, Photos, FaceTime, and Calendar. Software Update shows only upgrades that are compatible with your Mac.

Upgrade Now installs a major new version with a new name, such as macOS Monterey.

Update Now installs the latest updates for the currently installed version, such as an update from macOS Big Sur 11.5 to macOS Big Sur 11.6.

If your System Preferences doesn't include Software Update, learn how to upgrade to macOS Monterey or upgrade to an older macOS, and use the Updates tab of the App Store app to get app updates.

In the System Preferences window, click Software Update.

From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Preferences.

Then follow these steps to find and install any available software updates or upgrades. Before you get started, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.

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