It's recommended that you keep at least 15-20% of your Mac's memory free to keep it running smoothly. Optimizing storage is an efficient way to do this. But there are also several other steps you can take to free up space on MacBook Air, Pro, or any other macOS device. MacBook Air models from 2013 or later. The first being the fact that Software Update simply won't let you install the new version of macOS. Before installing Big Sur on an older Mac, make. Uninstall Office for Mac - Office Support. Then, download and install the 16.29.1 build of Office for Mac. When you launch an app, go to the Help menu and choose Check for Updates to launch AutoUpdate. In AutoUpdate set it to manual so it doesn't try to install newer versions that won't run right in your version of Mac OS.
Hello daschrislydon,
Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! From your message I can see that you have erased the 2011 MacBook Air and are looking to upgrade the OS X from Lion.
Macbook Air Software Update
You're correct that you need to upgrade to OS X El Capitan before you can upgrade to macOS High Sierra.
Since you're unable to reinstall the Mac OS X Lion through Recovery, see if you can boot into Internet Recovery. To access Internet Recovery, restart your MacBook Air and hold down Option + Command + R. This will allow you to reinstall OS X Lion.
Latest Software For Macbook Air
By reinstalling Lion you'll have access to the App Store and you can follow the steps to upgrade to OS X El Capitan: How to upgrade to OS X El Capitan.
Once you have OS X El Capitan running, you can then upgrade to macOS High Sierra: How to upgrade to macOS High Sierra.
If you're unable to reinstall OS X Lion, you'll need to have access to another Mac to be able to create a bootable USB drive for El Capitan. This article will provide you with the steps to take to create a bootable installer: How to create a bootable installer for macOS.
All the best!
Feb 12, 2020 6:35 AM
How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later
If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click 'More info' to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
- When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select 'Automatically keep my Mac up to date.' Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.
How to get updates for earlier macOS versions
If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
- Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
- When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.
To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click App Store, then select 'Download newly available updates in the background.' Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.
* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu > Software Update.
How to get updates for iOS
Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.
How to get updates for iOS
Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.
Learn more
Macbook Air software, free download
- Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
- You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
- Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.
