Install Catalina On Big Sur

Last week I installed catalina with the dosdude patcher on my iMac (late 2009). Back then I had a hard drive. Yesterday I installed a new SSD in it and also new RAM (from 4GB 1060mhz to 8GB 1333mhz). I used the usb that I also used to install catalina on the hard drive. I booted the USB and pressed install macOS Catalina. IBM SPSS 25 on macOS Catalina and Big Sur. At the end of the installation process you may be prompted to run the SPSS License Authorisation Wizard.

Install Catalina Not Big Sur

  1. As Mohave will be 2 OS's behind I'll upgrade to Big Sur after a couple of updates. Personally see no reason to upgrade to Catalina, fix any problems, then go to Big Sur and deal with its problems. Last edited: Oct 14, 2020. Reactions: navaira, goodstuff04, ignatius345 and 2 others.
  2. If you’re a DJ or music producer, Big Sur currently has compatibility problems with some of the hardware and software. If you want to keep DJing, producing, or mixing on your Mac, stay on Catalina for a little bit. For the benefit of any who need to downgrade, here’s a step-by-step guide to reinstalling Catalina after you’ve installed Big.

macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.

Check compatibility

macOS Big Sur is compatible with the following computers. If your Mac isn't compatible, you might be able to install an old version of macOS instead.

MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.

If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.

Download macOS Big Sur

Install Catalina On Big Sur Mac

If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update.

Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.

Install macOS Big Sur

After downloading, the installer opens automatically. Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.

Install Catalina On Big Sur Windows

Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, it might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.

Big

Stay up to date

After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. To check for updates, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update.

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Let's just say it: 2020 is a weird year — messing with an ordinary state of things to the extent that you no longer know what's ordinary. So don't panic if you google 'What is the latest macOS 2021?' and can't find the macOS version 10.16. It doesn't exist.

This year, Apple hosted its first virtual-only WWDC event where they announced a transition to macOS 11, hence ending the era of Mac OS X generation. The new macOS Big Sur version 11.0 arrives with an overhauled design that features lots of iOS elements. Also, macOS 11 will be the first operating system to support Macs with Apple silicon chips. So just like anything 2020, macOS Big Sur is pretty unusual — but is it really worth an upgrade?

Clean install big sur on catalina

Big Sur upgrade assistant

Before you switch to a new macOS, install Setapp. It’s a suite of apps that will keep your data protected on any system.

macOS Big Sur review: What's new

Before we look at the pros and cons, let's focus on the major changes that Apple Big Sur is bringing to the table. The following section will help you understand whether an upgrade to Big Sur makes sense in your case. If you decide to skip it over, we won't judge you — but make sure you check the infographic below for a quick summary.

macOS Big Sur requirements: Will your Mac run macOS 11?

Full disclosure: This article only makes sense if you can give a positive answer to the question 'Can my Mac run Big Sur?' If it's a no, breathe out and continue enjoying Catalina. Or, get a new Mac. If you compare device compatibility in macOS Big Sur vs Catalina, you'll notice a change. Essentially, Big Sur moves a year to two years ahead, cutting off support for all Macs released prior to 2013.

Here’s the full list of macOS Big Sur compatible devices:

  • MacBook (2015 or later)

  • MacBook Air (2013 or later)

  • MacBook Pro (2013 or later)

  • Mac Pro (2013 or later)

  • Mac Mini (2014 or later)

  • iMac (2014 or later)

  • iMac Pro (2017 or later).

Install Catalina On Big Sur Free

You’ll find more on macOS Big Sur system requirements here.

Design changes that change it all

Install Catalina On Big Sur Windows 10

Apple calls it the biggest design change in the last 20 years. We call it an iPad marries a Mac. Here's a quick dive into why macOS Big Sur is very different from what you experience with Catalina:

  • New Control Center featuring quick access to settings and controls on Mac

  • Full-size sidebars across apps

  • Notifications grouped by apps

  • Three new widget layouts

  • Widgets and notifications can be combined within one view

  • Translucent Dock icons and the menu bar

  • Rounded corners across windows and app icons.

Sur

It looks like macOS Big Sur takes a content-first approach, removing visual complexity and helping you customize lots of things on a desktop. It also has that sweet homely iOS vibe about it, which you’ll recognize instantly if you’re an iPhone/iPad user. Also, check our article about list of mac os versions.

The iPadification of Mac

Apart from the design change, the latest macOS is embracing more iOS apps via Catalyst. For instance, Maps and Messages have been redesigned with the Mac Catalyst app — and Catalyst itself is getting some major enhancements. Particularly, it arrives with access to more iOS frameworks, new APIs, and the ability to control Mac Catalyst apps using just the keyboard.

The Catalyst era kicked off in 2019, with the release of macOS 10.15 Catalina. Apple made it possible to port iOS apps to macOS, and introduced Screen Time as the first native app to undergo the Catalyst transition. With macOS 11, Catalyst apps continue arriving — easy to port and fitting the Big Sur design perfectly.

What’s more, Macs with Apple silicon chips will be able to run iOS apps natively on Big Sur. This means one thing: In the battle of Big Sur vs Catalina, the former certainly wins if you want to see more iOS apps on Mac.

Safari reborn on macOS Big Sur

Apple introduced some great Safari improvements with macOS Catalina, including weak password flagging and tab switching. But compared to what they did this year, Catalina updates were just the beginning of a major Safari transformation. On macOS Big Sur, Safari is crazily customizable and 50% faster than Chrome. Here are some key changes:

  • Customizable start page. You can set any background picture and choose what should appear on your Safari start page.

  • Preview tabs. Hover over any tab for a quick website preview.

  • Bring extensions from anywhere. Developers can easily migrate third-party extensions to Safari.

  • Translate an entire web page. Translate a website page across seven languages in a flash.

  • See who’s tracking you. The new built-in Privacy Report gives you access to the list of trackers on any website, which is a huge leap forward in terms of safer browsing.

Is it safe to update to Big Sur?

Many users are wondering whether it’s safe to download and install Big Sur at this point. We’ve dived into the depths of Reddit and Twitter, searching for any hints about macOS Big Sur misbehavior. So far, there have been some reports on installation problems and Safari crashing. But considering betas are generally buggy, it seems normal.

According to Apple, macOS Big Sur will offer even more control over users’ personal data. Developers will be asked to provide extensive information on their privacy practices when bringing apps to the App Store — so that you know what types of data an app collects before installing it. And with the new Privacy Report in Safari, you can expect a safer browsing journey on Big Sur. So we believe it’s pretty safe to upgrade to Big Sur.

Make your macOS perform better

With CleanMyMac X on Mac, any operating system works better. Get the app to optimize your Mac for Big Sur in minutes.

Read more about how to upgrade mac os the right way

The only recommendation is to make sure your Mac is prepared well in advance. Free up storage with CleanMyMac X — you’ll need at least 20GB of free disk space — and back up data with Get Backup Pro just to be sure nothing disappears from your Mac. Both tools are on Setapp and available with a 7-day free trial.

Catalina vs Big Sur: Final verdict

The question “Should I upgrade to Big Sur or not?” doesn’t have an easy answer. But we say give it a try if you like the new iOS-inspired design and enhanced Safari. Also, macOS Big Sur is the best operating system for porting iOS apps — and, hopefully, running iOS apps in the near future. Summing it up, here’s the final look at Big Sur vs Catalina features:

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