Step 1: Open System Preferences
You can open the System Preferences by selecting the app icon from your dock.
- Open Spotlight Search
Spotlight search can be found by selecting the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of your screen.
- Search for System Preferences
In the Spotlight search enter System Preferences and select the app.
Step 2: Select Software Update
From the list of options in the System Preferences window select Software Update.
Step 3: Select Upgrade Now for Big Sur
On the Software Update page select the box Upgrade Now for macOS Big Sur.
- Open the App Store
You can open the App Store by selecting the app icon from your dock.
If you do not have the App Store in your dock then follow the instructions under the Missing System Preferences in Dock section but search for App Store.
- Search for Big Sur
Type Big Sur into the search bar on the left-hand menu and press enter.
- Select View on Big Sur Result
From the list of results select the View button on the macOS Big Sur entry.
- Select Get on Big Sur
On the Big Sur page select the box for Get to start the download.
- The Software Update window within System Preferences will automatically open and you can proceed with Step 4.
Step 4: Downloading Big Sur
Your computer will begin downloading Big Sur.
Step 5: Start Installing Big Sur
After the download has completed the installation window will automatically open.
Select Continue.
Step 6: Accept the Terms and Conditions
You will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions twice.
Select Agree. A second confirmation window will appear.
On the second confirmation window select Agree again.
Step 10: Select Install Location
By default, the installer will select your main hard drive.
Unless your computer has multiple hard drives (internal and external) you can leave the defaults and select Continue.
You may be prompted to enter your username and password to proceed with the installation:
Step 11: Wait for Installation to Complete
Your computer will begin installing Big Sur. Once the installation is complete your computer will restart itself without prompting you.
Step 12: Installation Complete
After logging back into your Mac the System Update window will automatically reopen itself. Here you will be able to see that your Mac has been updated to Big Sur.
