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Best answer: Will I lose my data if I upgrade Mac OS?

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No. Generally speaking, upgrading to a subsequent major release of macOS doesn’t erase/touch user data. Pre-installed apps and configurations too survive the upgrade. Upgrading macOS is a common practise and carried out by lot of users every year when a new major version is released.

How do I update my Mac without losing data?

How to Update & Reinstall macOS Without Losing Data

  1. Start up your Mac from macOS Recovery. …
  2. Select “Reinstall macOS” from the Utilities Window and click “Continue”.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions to select the hard drive you want to install the OS on and start the installation.

What happens when I update my macOS?

If 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, Calendar, and Books.

Can you reinstall macOS without losing data?

Option #1: Reinstall macOS without Losing Data From Internet Recovery. Click the Apple icon>Restart. Hold down the key combination: Command+R, you will see the Apple logo. Then choose “Reinstall macOS Big Sur” from utilities window and click “Continue”.

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

Will installing a new macOS delete everything?

Reinstalling macOS from the recovery menu does not erase your data. … To gain access to the disk depends on what model Mac you have. An older Macbook or Macbook Pro likely has a hard drive that is removable, allowing you to connect it externally using an enclosure or cable.

Does installing macOS delete everything?

macOS Reinstallation Deletes Everything, What Can I Do

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

Reinstalling macOS of macOS Recovery can help you replace the current problematic OS with a clean version quickly and easily. Technically speaking, simply reinstalling macOS won’t erase your disk either delete files.

Can a Mac be too old to update?

Apple said that would run happily on a late 2009 or later MacBook or iMac, or a 2010 or later MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini or Mac Pro. … This means that if your Mac is older than 2012 it won’t officially be able to run Catalina or Mojave.

What happens if you don’t update your Mac?

No really, if you don’t do the updates, nothing happens. If you’re worried, don’t do them. You just miss out on new stuff they fix or add, or maybe on problems.

What do I do if my Mac won’t update?

If you’re positive that the Mac isn’t still working on updating your software then run through the following steps:

  1. Shut down, wait a few seconds, then restart your Mac. …
  2. Go to System Preferences > Software Update. …
  3. Check the Log screen to see if files are being installed. …
  4. Try installing the Combo update. …
  5. Reset the NVRAM.

How do I reinstall OSX and keep files?

macOS Recovery keeps your files and user settings intact when reinstalling.…Reinstall macOS

  1. Install the latest version of macOS compatible with your computer: Press and hold Option-Command-R.
  2. Reinstall your computer’s original version of macOS (including available updates): Press and hold Shift-Option-Command-R.