MacOS – Update from Mac OS X 10.6.8 to the newest version

macossoftware-updateupgrade

I want to update from Mac OS X 10.6.8 to the newest version which is macOS Sierra. My Mac should be able to run this version of macOS. If I try to download the update on the App Store it fails because I need Mac OS X 10.7 at least.

What can I do to upgrade my Mac?

Best Answer

Here's how Apple says you can upgrade via their macOS upgrade page. You need to install an intermediate upgrade first.

Upgrading from OS X Snow Leopard

If you’re running Snow Leopard (10.6.8) and your Mac supports macOS Sierra, you will need to upgrade to El Capitan from the App Store first. Then you can update to Sierra.

Upgrading from OS X Leopard

If you’re running Leopard and would like to upgrade to macOS Sierra, first you’ll need to upgrade to OS X Snow Leopard. You can purchase OS X Snow Leopard from the Apple Online Store. Then upgrade to El Capitan as above, and then to Sierra.

Related Solutions

MacOS – How to re-download OS X Lion from 10.6.8

When a new OS X is released, it isn't no longer possible to download the previous version(s).

Apple has however now with the release of OS X Mavericks (10.9) again opened up for re-download of Lion and Mountain Lion (if previously purchased) - or to purchase the two OS's for a price of $19.99 each.

OS X Lion (10.7)

OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)

MacOS – standalone upgrade from older version to current version osx

You could get the installer from wherever you have a decent connection, and then create a USB key with the installer.

Once you have downloaded the installer on any machine, see the quick instructions here:

Create a single GPT (GUID) partition on the USB key, and format it. Then run:
sudo "/Applications/Install OS X Mavericks.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia" --volume /Volumes/untitled --applicationpath "/Applications/Install OS X Mavericks.app" --nointeraction
"/Volumes/untitled" is the mount point of your USB key. For the verbose version with pictures, see here.