MacOS – Upgrade from non-server to server

macosserver.app

Is it possible to upgrade from a non-server (desktop) edition of OS X to the server edition? I currently have a Mac Mini running standard ML but I'd like to upgrade it to the Server version as I use it for a home fileserver and the connections frequently get maxed out. Preferably I'd like to go straight from ML -> Mavericks Server, but I don't even know if the desktop-to-server path is possible on any edition without a fresh install (I hope it is).

Best Answer

OS X Server, from OS X Lion onwards, is just another app you buy from the Mac App Store and install. You do not need to do a fresh install of the OS. There are generally no special hardware requirements for OS X Server compared to the client edition either.

To move from OS X Mountain Lion client to OS X Mavericks server, you would first have to upgrade to OS X Mavericks client, then buy and install the Server App from the Mac App Store.

The General Requirements section on OS X Server Technical Specifications page currently states:

  • Mac computer running Mountain Lion.
  • 2GB of memory.
  • 10GB of available disk space; some features require additional disk space.
  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.
  • Some features are not available in all countries.
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