For some Mac users, macOS 10.15 Catalina is no longer a choice. That's because the new 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 2019 Mac Pro that Apple released late last year ship with Catalina installed and can't run any previous version of macOS.
But for most people, it's time to consider an upgrade to Catalina. Most backup software now works with Catalina's bifurcated drive approach that puts the system on a separate, read-only volume from your data and apps. We've all had several months to come to terms with the fact that old 32-bit apps won't even launch in Catalina. And Apple has shipped several updates that bring Catalina to version 10.15.3, addressing most of the complaints users had with the initial release.
If you are ready to try Catalina but still want to use 10.14 Mojave, we have some advice for how to make that happen. This could be the case for someone who has purchased a new Mac that does support Mojave but came with Catalina installed, for someone who wants to test Catalina while still using Mojave, or for someone who wants to move on to Catalina but has a 32-bit app that they aren't ready to say good-bye to.
- For some Mac users, macOS 10.15 Catalina is no longer a choice. That's because the new 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 2019 Mac Pro that Apple released late last year ship with Catalina installed and can't run any previous version of macOS. But for most people, it's time to consider an upgrade to Catalina.
- A couple of weeks ago, Apple rolled out Safari 14 and a number of security updates to users of macOS Catalina and Mojave. The update, which came before Safari 14 rolls out with macOS Big Sur later this fall, allowed users to experience Safari's new design, privacy reports, and support for 4K HDR video from sites like YouTube. However, as reported by MacRumors, Apple appears to have pulled.
Apple.com: Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update 2.0 (released Feb 26, 2014) - This update enables Mac Pro to enter Power Nap without running the fan for most Power Nap activities, and addresses a rare issue where a low-speed USB device may not be detected at boot. Apple has released Security Update 2021-001 for macOS 10.15 Catalina and 10.14 Mojave, patching 32 security vulnerabilities in Catalina and 23 vulnerabilities in Mojave, including a kernel bug that Apple says may have been exploited in the wild. You can access these updates via Software Update.
Downgrade from Catalina to Mojave on Some New Macs
Apple has started installing Catalina on new Macs other than the 16-inch MacBook Pro and 2019 Mac Pro, but since these older Macs can still run Mojave, it's possible—if a bit tricky—to downgrade them to Mojave.
System engineer Armin Briegel has worked out a way of downgrading new Macs to Mojave. First, you create a Mojave Installer USB drive. To use that drive to boot a Mac with a T2 security chip, you must allow external booting from the Security Utility on the Recovery partition. Once you've booted from your Mojave Installer drive, use Disk Utility to erase the entire internal drive. Then install Mojave.
Use Virtualization to Keep 32-bit Apps Running
For some people, what's keeping them on Mojave is a single 32-bit app that will never be updated in an appropriate fashion. Quicken 2007 falls into this category, as does the ScanSnap Manager app for the ScanSnap S1300, S1500, and S1500M scanners. Sure, you can get a current version of Quicken, but it may not do precisely what you want, and Fujitsu would be happy to sell you a new ScanSnap scanner that does come with 64-bit software, but then you'll have to figure out what to do with your old scanner.
So if you're ready to upgrade to Catalina in general but need to maintain access to one or two apps, one solution is virtualization software: either Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. Both apps let you run nearly any operating system—including older versions of macOS like Mojave—in a virtual machine. In essence, they fool the guest operating system, whether it's Mojave or Windows, into thinking it's running normally on a computer, when it's actually running in a virtual environment.
These apps cost about $80, and while there's a bit of work in setting them up (the screenshot below shows the option for installing Mojave in Parallels Desktop during setup), once you have them configured, it's easy to run older apps alongside newer ones with little or no performance hit. This approach is also perfect for a 16-inch MacBook Pro or Mac Pro that can't run Mojave in any other way.
Install Catalina and Mojave on Separate APFS Volumes and Switch Boot
Finally, there's one other option that lets you switch back and forth between Mojave and Catalina, assuming your Mac supports Mojave. You can create an APFS volume on your internal drive and install another version of macOS on that. It's easy, and Apple provides full instructions. The only problem with this approach is that you'll have to restart to switch operating systems, whereas both are available simultaneously with the virtualization solution.
First, make sure you have at least one current backup of your Mac, since it's foolhardy to adjust your drive structure without one. Next, in Disk Utility, select your internal drive, choose Edit > Add APFS Volume, and click Add. We recommend naming the drive such that it will be clear what's on it.
Then boot into macOS Recovery and install the desired version of macOS on your new volume. The keys you hold down to get into Recovery determine which version of macOS you'll get:
- Command-R reinstalls the latest version of macOS that was installed on your Mac.
- Command-Option-R upgrades to the latest version of macOS that's compatible with your Mac.
- Command-Shift-Option-R reinstalls the version of macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
Choose Reinstall macOS from the macOS Utilities window and proceed from there.
Once the installation is complete, to switch from one version of macOS to another, open System Preferences > Startup Disk, choose the desired volume to boot from, and then click Restart. Or, press Option at startup and select the desired volume from the Startup Manager screen.
Needless to say, the decision about when and how to upgrade to Catalina isn't a trivial one, so feel free to contact us to discuss your particular situation or to get help with any of the procedures that we've described in this article.
(Featured image by Apple)
The much anticipated new macOS update has arrived. It's called Mojave (after the Mojave Desert) and it's a major one, which means lots of new features to get excited about including Dark Mode, which transforms the desktop with a darkened color scheme, Stacks, for organizing even the most cluttered of desktops, and an overhauled Mac App Store. It's an update worth having, that's for sure.
On September 25, the long-awaited macOS update, Mojave 10.14, has finally arrived and is now available for free. In this article, we'll tell you how to prepare your Mac for the clean install of the updated version.
MacOS Mojave Release Timeline
How to install virtual machine on mac. Tapping into the history, there have been three releases of MacOS Mojave:
- Developer Preview — Available since early June
- Public Beta — Available since late June
- Official version — Available for everyone to download since September 25.
The fall release brought the whole bunch of new opportunities for Mac users. Previously, the members of Apple Development Program with an Apple ID could get a feel of macOS Mojave by using the developer preview. This was followed by a more stable Public Beta version. Yet both versions weren't disposed of errors.
Stabilized and polished, the latest version of Mojave should help Mac users enjoy life without showstopper bugs and instability issues.
How to upgrade your Mac to macOS Mojave 10.14
You can clean install the new, shiny version of macOS Mojave 10.14 (this way entails one important fact: all your files and data will be deleted during the process.) Or you can simply upgrade your Mac.
Upgrading to macOS Mojave is seamlessly simple, taking up little time and almost no effort. And with the upgrade guide we've prepared, you're going to be running new OS in no time.
An upgrade install also offers at least two benefits over a standard install:
- it's a simple process
- it retains almost all of your settings, files, and apps from the version of macOS that you're currently using.
How to download Mojave and install it safety
Apple's new Mac software, macOS Mojave, is available now. However, as the operating system is still so new, there may be some macOS 10.14 Mojave problems that are still present. If you're worried, it may be worth waiting a few weeks so that all the issues are fixed.
If you're going to perform an install Mojave, you need to check is your Mac ready for Mojave, backup your important data, and, finally, run installer. So, let's preparing Mac for the upgrade to macOS Mojave.
MacOS Mojave compatibility
Before you download macOS Mojave you'll need to make sure that your system can run it. Apple says that the OS will be available for Macs introduced in mid-2012 or later, plus 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models with recommended Metal-capable graphics cards.
To see how much space is available on your Mac, choose Apple () menu > About This Mac, then click Storage.:
- iMac Pro (2017)
- iMac (late 2012 or newer)
- Mac Pro (late 2013, plus mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with Metal-capable graphics cards)
- MacBook (2015 or newer)
- MacBook Air (mid-2012 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (mid-2012 or newer)
- Mac mini (late 2012 or newer)
Hardware requirements haven't changed much since last time:
- Required memory: 4GB or more (macOS tends to run best with more memory)
- Required disk storage: 4.8GB free space
Сan your Mac run Mojave? To see you Mac's model and how much space is available on your Mac, click on the Apple () logo in the menu bar and select About This Mac
In the Overview tab, you'll see the Mac model and year
In the Storage tab, you'll check your storage space
Backup your Mac before installing the new macOS
No matter which version of macOS Mojave you're installing, you should backup your Mac first. You can do this via the Time Machine or with an app like Get Backup Pro (it's more powerful than Apple's Time Machine.)
Note: You need a backup of every important file that you'll want to reinstall on your new macOS. But there's no point in running a straight clone of your previous files: you'll just end up with the same junk floating around your new operating system.
So, before backup clean up your hard drive from junk data, old and useless data, and duplicates. An easy way to go about this is to get a Mac cleaning app like CleanMyMac. It will save to hours of manual file cleanup before the backup. Junk removal with CleanMyMac takes only a few minutes and absolutely safe for your Mac. The duplicate files finder like Gemini helps you to detect duplicate files on any folder, preview duplicate pictures, videos, music, archives, documents, and all other specific extensions, and get rid of useless versions. How to screenshot on mac without keyboard.
You don't need to dig through Internet to search and and download each apps mentioned in this guide, all of them available on Setapp.
How to backup a Mac with Time Machine
Backing up your system with Mac's built-in Time Machine feature couldn't be easier.
- Go to System Preferences > Time Machine and check that it's turned on.
- Under Select Backup Disk choose a hard drive to backup your system.
Time Machine will then perform automatic backups of your system and store them on your chosen hard drive for easy retrieval.
How to backup important data only with Get Backup Pro
Get Backup Pro offers a more comprehensive way to backup your Mac, allowing you to make copies of your system files in four different ways: simple copy, clone, incremental, and versioned. It's a great app to use alongside Time Machine and lets you recover files to any computer — handy if anything goes seriously wrong with Mojave.
The slick user interface of Get Backup Pro makes it easy to use.
- Click the + button at the bottom of the project list, then name the project.
- Choose a backup destination and select whether you want to store original files and folders, or inside a disk image.
- Drag and drop files and/or folders to the list in the main window, then click Start.
Get Backup Pro is available now from the Setapp collection where you can download it for free with a 7-day trial.
Apple Firmware Update Macbook Pro
That's all. Now let's start the installation.
Update Firmware Macbook Pro
How to install the new macOS
If your Mac is Mojave-compatible and you've backed up your system in case something goes drastically wrong, you're ready for the installation.
There is also an option to create a partition so that it runs separately to your current OS, which was particularly relevant with the previous versions. Here's how to create a partition:
Downgrade from Catalina to Mojave on Some New Macs
Apple has started installing Catalina on new Macs other than the 16-inch MacBook Pro and 2019 Mac Pro, but since these older Macs can still run Mojave, it's possible—if a bit tricky—to downgrade them to Mojave.
System engineer Armin Briegel has worked out a way of downgrading new Macs to Mojave. First, you create a Mojave Installer USB drive. To use that drive to boot a Mac with a T2 security chip, you must allow external booting from the Security Utility on the Recovery partition. Once you've booted from your Mojave Installer drive, use Disk Utility to erase the entire internal drive. Then install Mojave.
Use Virtualization to Keep 32-bit Apps Running
For some people, what's keeping them on Mojave is a single 32-bit app that will never be updated in an appropriate fashion. Quicken 2007 falls into this category, as does the ScanSnap Manager app for the ScanSnap S1300, S1500, and S1500M scanners. Sure, you can get a current version of Quicken, but it may not do precisely what you want, and Fujitsu would be happy to sell you a new ScanSnap scanner that does come with 64-bit software, but then you'll have to figure out what to do with your old scanner.
So if you're ready to upgrade to Catalina in general but need to maintain access to one or two apps, one solution is virtualization software: either Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. Both apps let you run nearly any operating system—including older versions of macOS like Mojave—in a virtual machine. In essence, they fool the guest operating system, whether it's Mojave or Windows, into thinking it's running normally on a computer, when it's actually running in a virtual environment.
These apps cost about $80, and while there's a bit of work in setting them up (the screenshot below shows the option for installing Mojave in Parallels Desktop during setup), once you have them configured, it's easy to run older apps alongside newer ones with little or no performance hit. This approach is also perfect for a 16-inch MacBook Pro or Mac Pro that can't run Mojave in any other way.
Install Catalina and Mojave on Separate APFS Volumes and Switch Boot
Finally, there's one other option that lets you switch back and forth between Mojave and Catalina, assuming your Mac supports Mojave. You can create an APFS volume on your internal drive and install another version of macOS on that. It's easy, and Apple provides full instructions. The only problem with this approach is that you'll have to restart to switch operating systems, whereas both are available simultaneously with the virtualization solution.
First, make sure you have at least one current backup of your Mac, since it's foolhardy to adjust your drive structure without one. Next, in Disk Utility, select your internal drive, choose Edit > Add APFS Volume, and click Add. We recommend naming the drive such that it will be clear what's on it.
Then boot into macOS Recovery and install the desired version of macOS on your new volume. The keys you hold down to get into Recovery determine which version of macOS you'll get:
- Command-R reinstalls the latest version of macOS that was installed on your Mac.
- Command-Option-R upgrades to the latest version of macOS that's compatible with your Mac.
- Command-Shift-Option-R reinstalls the version of macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
Choose Reinstall macOS from the macOS Utilities window and proceed from there.
Once the installation is complete, to switch from one version of macOS to another, open System Preferences > Startup Disk, choose the desired volume to boot from, and then click Restart. Or, press Option at startup and select the desired volume from the Startup Manager screen.
Needless to say, the decision about when and how to upgrade to Catalina isn't a trivial one, so feel free to contact us to discuss your particular situation or to get help with any of the procedures that we've described in this article.
(Featured image by Apple)
The much anticipated new macOS update has arrived. It's called Mojave (after the Mojave Desert) and it's a major one, which means lots of new features to get excited about including Dark Mode, which transforms the desktop with a darkened color scheme, Stacks, for organizing even the most cluttered of desktops, and an overhauled Mac App Store. It's an update worth having, that's for sure.
On September 25, the long-awaited macOS update, Mojave 10.14, has finally arrived and is now available for free. In this article, we'll tell you how to prepare your Mac for the clean install of the updated version.
MacOS Mojave Release Timeline
How to install virtual machine on mac. Tapping into the history, there have been three releases of MacOS Mojave:
- Developer Preview — Available since early June
- Public Beta — Available since late June
- Official version — Available for everyone to download since September 25.
The fall release brought the whole bunch of new opportunities for Mac users. Previously, the members of Apple Development Program with an Apple ID could get a feel of macOS Mojave by using the developer preview. This was followed by a more stable Public Beta version. Yet both versions weren't disposed of errors.
Stabilized and polished, the latest version of Mojave should help Mac users enjoy life without showstopper bugs and instability issues.
How to upgrade your Mac to macOS Mojave 10.14
You can clean install the new, shiny version of macOS Mojave 10.14 (this way entails one important fact: all your files and data will be deleted during the process.) Or you can simply upgrade your Mac.
Upgrading to macOS Mojave is seamlessly simple, taking up little time and almost no effort. And with the upgrade guide we've prepared, you're going to be running new OS in no time.
An upgrade install also offers at least two benefits over a standard install:
- it's a simple process
- it retains almost all of your settings, files, and apps from the version of macOS that you're currently using.
How to download Mojave and install it safety
Apple's new Mac software, macOS Mojave, is available now. However, as the operating system is still so new, there may be some macOS 10.14 Mojave problems that are still present. If you're worried, it may be worth waiting a few weeks so that all the issues are fixed.
If you're going to perform an install Mojave, you need to check is your Mac ready for Mojave, backup your important data, and, finally, run installer. So, let's preparing Mac for the upgrade to macOS Mojave.
MacOS Mojave compatibility
Before you download macOS Mojave you'll need to make sure that your system can run it. Apple says that the OS will be available for Macs introduced in mid-2012 or later, plus 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models with recommended Metal-capable graphics cards.
To see how much space is available on your Mac, choose Apple () menu > About This Mac, then click Storage.:
- iMac Pro (2017)
- iMac (late 2012 or newer)
- Mac Pro (late 2013, plus mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with Metal-capable graphics cards)
- MacBook (2015 or newer)
- MacBook Air (mid-2012 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (mid-2012 or newer)
- Mac mini (late 2012 or newer)
Hardware requirements haven't changed much since last time:
- Required memory: 4GB or more (macOS tends to run best with more memory)
- Required disk storage: 4.8GB free space
Сan your Mac run Mojave? To see you Mac's model and how much space is available on your Mac, click on the Apple () logo in the menu bar and select About This Mac
In the Overview tab, you'll see the Mac model and year
In the Storage tab, you'll check your storage space
Backup your Mac before installing the new macOS
No matter which version of macOS Mojave you're installing, you should backup your Mac first. You can do this via the Time Machine or with an app like Get Backup Pro (it's more powerful than Apple's Time Machine.)
Note: You need a backup of every important file that you'll want to reinstall on your new macOS. But there's no point in running a straight clone of your previous files: you'll just end up with the same junk floating around your new operating system.
So, before backup clean up your hard drive from junk data, old and useless data, and duplicates. An easy way to go about this is to get a Mac cleaning app like CleanMyMac. It will save to hours of manual file cleanup before the backup. Junk removal with CleanMyMac takes only a few minutes and absolutely safe for your Mac. The duplicate files finder like Gemini helps you to detect duplicate files on any folder, preview duplicate pictures, videos, music, archives, documents, and all other specific extensions, and get rid of useless versions. How to screenshot on mac without keyboard.
You don't need to dig through Internet to search and and download each apps mentioned in this guide, all of them available on Setapp.
How to backup a Mac with Time Machine
Backing up your system with Mac's built-in Time Machine feature couldn't be easier.
- Go to System Preferences > Time Machine and check that it's turned on.
- Under Select Backup Disk choose a hard drive to backup your system.
Time Machine will then perform automatic backups of your system and store them on your chosen hard drive for easy retrieval.
How to backup important data only with Get Backup Pro
Get Backup Pro offers a more comprehensive way to backup your Mac, allowing you to make copies of your system files in four different ways: simple copy, clone, incremental, and versioned. It's a great app to use alongside Time Machine and lets you recover files to any computer — handy if anything goes seriously wrong with Mojave.
The slick user interface of Get Backup Pro makes it easy to use.
- Click the + button at the bottom of the project list, then name the project.
- Choose a backup destination and select whether you want to store original files and folders, or inside a disk image.
- Drag and drop files and/or folders to the list in the main window, then click Start.
Get Backup Pro is available now from the Setapp collection where you can download it for free with a 7-day trial.
Apple Firmware Update Macbook Pro
That's all. Now let's start the installation.
Update Firmware Macbook Pro
How to install the new macOS
If your Mac is Mojave-compatible and you've backed up your system in case something goes drastically wrong, you're ready for the installation.
There is also an option to create a partition so that it runs separately to your current OS, which was particularly relevant with the previous versions. Here's how to create a partition:
- Launch Disk Utility, then select the disk you'd like to partition from the list and click Partition.
- Click the + button, then choose a size for the partition using the pie chart (you'll need at least 4.8GB for Mojave).
- Name the partition, then click Apply.
When you purchase macOS Mojave from the Mac App Store, the installer will be downloaded to your Mac and placed in the Applications folder. Once completed, the Mojave installer will open, and you can follow the onscreen instructions to install macOS Mojave on your Mac.
The macOS update can be performed just in four steps:
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner.
- Tap the App Store.
- Click Updates.
- Choose Mojave and click Download. Once macOS Mojave has downloaded, an Apple terms and conditions window will open.
- Click the button to install, and when a window appears, click 'Continue' to begin the process and choose the option to install Mojave.
MacOS Mojave promises to be the best Mac operating system yet and we can't blame you for wanting to get your hands on it as soon as possible. Remember, though: the early versions of the OS are works in progress — there are bugs and errors that will affect system performance. Make sure you backup your Mac before installing. That warning aside, enjoy Mojave — we think you'll love it.
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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