If I wanted to install a new SSD on a used late 2011 MBP, can I just throw in the SSD and use internet recovery to install the original OS(Lion?) and then update to Sierra or High Sierra?
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Can Late 2011 MBP do Internet Recovery?
- Thread starter Rocko99991
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Yes, it will support internet recovery. Lion is the shipped OS for your MBP. The minimum OS for High Sierra is Mountain Lion, but Lion will work for Sierra.
I would recommend a test entering of internet recovery for verification of no issues before proceeding with the swap. A optional way to proceed is to have a external enclosure for the new SSD and try installing the OS on the externally attached SSD to verify operation before opening the MBP. The external enclosure will also give you a way to use the old internal HDD after you complete the switch.
Thanks. When you say the minimum OS for High Sierra is Mountain Lion, do you mean you can't jump from Lion straight to High Sierra? If that is true, should I be able to download Sierra still from the app store even though it's one OS older?
You need Mountain Lion or later installed to update to High Sierra, Lion will not work.
High Sierra requirements:
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP765?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
Sierra requirements:
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP742?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
You can download Sierra from the App Store:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/macos-sierra/id1127487414?mt=12
