Upgrading to High Sierra

[Dave2022]

Hi everyone,

I have a mid 2009 Macbook pro running version El Capitan 10.11.6. I am starting to have issues on browsers not being able to access websites because I can't download the new browsers. I am waiting for the new M2 Macbook Pros as I am happy that my computer was able to work so well for 13 years. I am hoping to get another year out of this computer.

I found this link https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/upgrade-to-latest-os-on-macbook-pro-mid-2009.2123491/

Can this still be done and does it allow you to upgrade to later versions? Which version do you recommend so I can at least get 10.13 and extend the life of my computer for a bit longer?

The instructions seem easy but this is my main computer with all my data since I got it. I have multiple backups. Is there any serious risk and if something goes wrong is it difficult to reinstall an old backup from time machine?

Any idea why the more expensive Macbook Pro was dropped after El Capitan and the Macbook continued to get support?

Thank you

 

[BanditoB]

There's no reason that the instructions for how to install High Sierra would not still work, but I would be certain that you have a good working backup to restore to should something go wrong as this is your main computer and you are already on the last officially supported version of OS X.

The particular update that you are considering, High Sierra, is likely going to be the last version of OS X that's usable on your system, but it will definitely be better for supporting more apps.

 

[OldMacPro2]

I was able to install High Sierra on three different mid-2010 Macbook Pros (two 15" and one 17") this past weekend.

Used the dosdude1 tool to download the correct High Sierra file from Apple.

From his web site:

... A copy of the macOS High Sierra Installer App. This can be obtained from the Mac App Store using a machine that supports High Sierra, or by using the built-in downloading feature of the tool. In the Menu Bar, simply select "Tools > Download macOS High Sierra..."

During the install and running updates, there was a firmware upgrade (or two), and it took a while, but it all worked perfectly.

The 2009 MBP is a slightly different animal than the 2010 MBP, so there are a few more steps. But the dosdude1 patch linked in the earlier post has everything you need.

Also, the OpenCore Legacy Patcher is another way you can install up to Monterey on your MBP. I haven't needed it but there are many threads out there if you search this forum, explaining that approach.

And to answer the answer the question "Why does Apple drops support for some models and not others?"...that's something only an Apple "Genius" can explain.

 

[gilby101]

Can this still be done and does it allow you to upgrade to later versions? Which version do you recommend so I can at least get 10.13 and extend the life of my computer for a bit longer?

The instructions seem easy but this is my main computer with all my data since I got it. I have multiple backups. Is there any serious risk and if something goes wrong is it difficult to reinstall an old backup from time machine?

Ask yourself: Do the instructions really seem straight forward (in every detail) to you. If not, don't. Yes, there is considerable risk of something going wrong, are you confident you can diagnose issues and resolve them? In not, don't. Do you have a second Mac available (so that you can, for example, build a bootable installer when your Mac won't start)? I wouldn't embark on non standard install without a second Mac.

Before starting (if I have failed to put you off) make sure can restore from your backup. Preferably do a full restorer.