Mar 2025: This guide has been updated for Sequoia (macOS 15). Be aware that if you upgrade to Sequoia, you should use PaperCut for printing. If you use AirPrint, refer to the following guide to bypass an ongoing AirPrint issue:
Overview
Apple is no longer providing support to older versions of the Mac operating system. If your computer is running an older version, you should have received or will receive an email from DTS. Below, we provide instructions for upgrading to one of the latest Mac operating systems:
- Sequoia (15)
- Sonoma (14)
- Ventura (13)
Why do I need to upgrade my Mac?
Because Apple only provides critical security updates and bug fixes for the three latest Mac operating systems, your computer is vulnerable to security exploits. Additionally, your computer may not be running the latest version of SentinelOne, USC’s security software.
Upgrading your computer protects University data and ensures that USC Dornsife maintains compliance with USC’s security policies. This is necessary even if you're only using your Mac for light Internet browsing or other tasks that you may not typically associate with information systems. This helps your computer meet compliance with the following USC information security policies:
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Endpoint Security Policy § 5.2 requires information systems to receive the latest vendor-supplied security patches and upgrades in order to mitigate vulnerabilities.
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Endpoint Security Policy § 5.5 requires the implementation of endpoint detection and response (EDR) security software on USC-owned computers.
What version is my Mac currently?
Your operating system version is included in the email from DTS. You can also look it up on your Mac: Click the Apple 
menu icon (top left corner on your desktop) and select About This Mac from the dropdown. The version name and number display at the top.
Upgrading your Mac from Mojave (10.14 or earlier)
If your macOS version is Mojave (10.14) or earlier, follow the steps below. Be aware that this process may take over an hour on older Macs.
Quick guide
Step 1: Make sure your computer files are safely backed up
The update should not affect your files, but we recommend having your files backed up to be safe. You can use a USC-approved cloud storage service or an encrypted, USC-approved external storage device.
Step 2: Upgrade to Catalina (Requires 12.5–18.5GB of available storage)
- Go to https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314?mt=12.
- If the App Store does not automatically open, click View in Mac App Store.
- Click Get to start the download.
- Once downloaded, the installer automatically opens. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.
Step 3: Update SentinelOne
- Once Catalina finishes installing, restart your computer.
- SentinelOne will automatically update (may not be immediate). To check which version of SentinelOne is on your Mac:
- In the upper right area of your desktop, click on the SentinelOne icon.
- Click Agent Details. Locate the row for Version and make sure that it is 21.7.4 or later.
Step 4: Upgrade to Sonoma (Requires approx 13GB of available storage)
- Click the Apple menu icon (top left corner on your desktop).
- Select System Preferences… from the dropdown.
- Click Software Update.
- Click Update Now.
- Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade to Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura. Be aware that this upgrade may take over an hour on older Macs.
- Don't see an option to upgrade to one of these versions? Your Mac model may not support the latest versions: see our instructions under "My Mac won't let me upgrade."
Upgrading your Mac from Catalina (10.15), Big Sur (11), or Monterey (12)
If your macOS version is Catalina or Big Sur, follow the steps below. Be aware that this process may take over an hour on older Macs.
Quick guide
Step 1: Make sure your computer files are safely backed up
The update should not affect your files, but we recommend having your files backed up to be safe. You can use a USC-approved cloud storage service or an encrypted, USC-approved external storage device.
Step 2: Upgrade to Sonoma (Requires approx 13GB of available storage)
- Click the Apple menu icon (top left corner on your desktop).
- Select System Preferences… from the dropdown.
- Click Software Update.
- Click Update Now.
- Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade to Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura. Be aware that this upgrade may take over an hour on older Macs.
- Don't see an option to upgrade to one of these versions? Your Mac model may not support the latest versions: see our instructions under "My Mac won't let me upgrade."
FAQ
My Mac doesn't have enough free storage space to upgrade
Apple provides a guide called "How to free up storage space on your Mac." Some tips include:
- Empty your Trash
- Delete documents from your Downloads folder
- Uninstall apps you no longer use
- Upload large files to cloud storage or save them to an external storage device so you can delete them from your Mac
- Make sure to use a USC-approved cloud storage service or an encrypted, USC-approved external storage device.
My Mac won't let me upgrade to Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura
If your Mac is unable to support one of these versions, please get in touch with us at ts@dornsife.usc.edu and let us know your computer model:
Quick guide
- Click the Apple menu icon (top left corner on your desktop).
- Select About This Mac from the dropdown.
- The computer model displays below the version number. Include this information in your email to us.
Detailed guide (with screenshots)
- Click the Apple menu icon (top left corner on your desktop).
- Select About This Mac from the dropdown.
- The computer model displays below the version number. Include this information in your email to us.
You included a computer name/serial number in the email you sent me, but I don't recognize it
We identified you as the most recent user associated with the computer in question, but it's possible that it's a shared computer or even an older computer that you no longer use. Let us know if this is the case.
Contributor(s): Jerry Word.