What to do if you have a Fermilab-owned Mac running macOS Big Sur v11
Intended for:
Users who are currently using a Fermilab-owned Mac running macOS Big Sur (v11)
Scenario/Use case:
macOS Big Sur (v11) has reached its end-of-life with Apple. This means macOS Big Sur is no longer supported by Apple and therefore will stop receiving security updates. Fermilab-owned computers, by laboratory policy, must run vendor-supported operating systems to avoid security risks. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, any Mac running macOS Big Sur (v11) will be blocked from accessing the Fermilab network. This includes both Fermilab-owned as well as personal and other non-Fermilab-owned Macs running macOS Big Sur.
You will see notifications that indicate macOS Big Sur has reached its end-of-life. Screenshots are shown at the end of this article.
- If an upgrade is possible for your Mac, you will see a notification that indicates the Mac can be upgraded and you can click the "Upgrade Device" button to be directed to the available upgrade in Software Update.
- If an upgrade is not possible, you will see a notification to turn in that Mac prior to Oct. 31, 2023.
Instructions:
See the lists below to determine if your Mac supports upgrading to macOS Ventura or Monterey. Select "About this Mac" from the Apple menu to determine which Mac model you have. Contact the Fermilab Service Desk if you need assistance.
Mac models that support Ventura:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) or newer
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) or newer
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
- iMac (21.5-inch, 2017) or newer
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (2018) or newer
- Mac Studio (2022) or newer
- Mac Pro (2019) or newer
Mac models that support Monterey:
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) or newer
- MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015) or newer
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016) or newer
- iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015) or newer
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (Late 2014) or newer
- Mac Studio (2022)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013) or newer
If your Mac supports upgrading to macOS Ventura or Monterey:
Open System Preferences and select Software Update. Click "Upgrade Now" to begin downloading. Alternatively, you may download and install from Mac App Store. The newest Fermilab-certified version of macOS will appear in Software Update.
If no upgrade appears in Software Update, that means your Mac cannot be upgraded to a newer version. Please turn in the Mac computer to the Service Desk located on Wilson Hall Ground Floor.
Notification that indicates the Mac can be upgraded:
Notification that indicates the Mac cannot be upgraded and must be turned in: