Upgrading from OS 13.7.8 to 14 SONOMA

[IMYB]

I have: MacBook Pro 16-inch, 2021 Apple M1 Pro currently running 13.7.8

I need to install chatGPT to work with a client that requires it. SO, I wanted to upgrade my laptop to OS 14 (or OS15) since it's the minimum necessary. But, when I go in SYSTEM SETTINGS/GENERAL/SOFTWARE UPDATE The only OS available in there is OS 26. Now, I went on the APP store, found SONOMA and clicked the GET button and it downloaded like 12GB file and a screen popped saying... INSTALL MACOS SONOMA and I then QUIT because I was worried that it would wipe my files and install a new OS and not do an UPGRADE from 13 -> 14 and keep all my files intact.

Because for OS26 it says UPGRADE but for os14 it says INSTALL.

If OS 15 is better I have no problem upgrading to that. I just want to use CHATGPT, ADOBE PHOTOSHOP, ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR, ADOBE DREAMWEAVER... well all ADOBE STUFF!!, MAC MAIL...

I just want to UPGRADE and NOT ERASE everything on my mac to get the newer os... Hope this is making sense.

Thanks for any help on this!

 

[sdfox7]

Installing from the App Store is an update. It doesn’t erase your computer. Of course, it’s always smart to back up all your data before upgrading your operating system.

 

[IMYB]

Installing from the App Store is an update. It doesn’t erase your computer. Of course, it’s always smart to back up all your data before upgrading your operating system.

Just want to make sure... This is what I did...

- Went to APP STORE and searched SONOMA
- Found it and clicked GET
- It sent me to the "SETTINGS/GENERAL/SOFTWARE UPDATE" page and started to download
- Once download was done I had a file called "Install macOS Sonoma" and the install started... Then I panicked (lol) and quit it before starting it.

I have a external HD where I copy my important files. But, my concern is an issue where the computer doesn't work after since I have lots of work to get done and can't be without a computer.

Was wondering if you can go from 13 to 15?........or do I have to go to 14, then 15?

Thanks for your help

 

[glsillygili]

The installer app won't erase anything I've done upgrades like that dozens if not hundreds of times

 

[IMYB]

The installer app won't erase anything I've done upgrades like that dozens if not hundreds of times

Thanks.. then would OS14 or OS15 better? And can you jump from 13 to 15 or do I need to make a pit stop to 14 first?

Looking for the SAFEST possible way to do this. The way that would be less likely to cause issues.

I am using 95% ADOBE illustrator & Photoshop.

Thanks

I guess what scares me what the this was not in my "SETTINGS/GENERAL/SOFTWARE UPDATE", I had to download it from app store and that it's 12GB and people online said updates are about 5GB.

I wish Apple put in the SOFTWARE UPDATE section all possible updates and not just the latest one.

 

[!!!]

Thanks.. then would OS14 or OS15 better?

Depends on your needs.

And can you jump from 13 to 15

You can jump pretty far, this is no big deal.

Looking for the SAFEST possible way to do this. The way that would be less likely to cause issues.

Make a backup. Seriously, if you rely on this system for work, make a backup. If you have important files you don't want to lose, make a backup.

I am using 95% ADOBE illustrator & Photoshop.

Check what OS versions the adobe versions you are using will run on. There's your answer to the first question.

it's 12GB and people online said updates are about 5GB.

It hasn't been around 5GB since the Mojave days. They're all 10+GB now.