Big Sur

macOS Big Sur (11.0)

Apple released macOS 11 Big Sur on November 12, 2020.

 

If you use highly specialized academic software or have installed unique personal software, please verify with the vendor that it will be compatible with Big Sur before upgrading, or contact LTS for assistance with this.

If you are running macOS 10.13 or older, please upgrade first to Mojave.

Before any upgrade, as always, we strongly recommend that you perform a backup of all your data.

 

Known software incompatibility:

  • Code 42 requires you to grant access: follow these instructions to update your privacy settings and ensure files and folders from locations like the Desktop, Contacts, Photos, Documents and Downloads continue to back up.

  • You may need to upgrade to Microsoft Office 2019 or later.

  • You may need to upgrade Adobe Creative Cloud.

  • Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client (32bit versions). If your AnyConnect is no longer working after updating to macOS Big Sur, please uninstall it (drag and drop it from the Applications folder to the Trash) and go here for the latest installer: https://www.wellesley.edu/lts/techsupport/sslvpn

  • SCEP Anti-Virus Follow our instructions to install ESET.

  • Users must also enable the AnyConnect software extension in their macOS Preferences Security & Privacy pane.

  • Banner ERP and NolijWeb. Safari is not compatible with the Java applet required for Banner ERP and NolijWeb. 

  • AstroImageJ 3.2.0 and earlier

  • ClustalX - 32 bit version

  • Fetch 5.7.6 and earlier

  • Mathematica 11.3 and earlier

  • Max8 and earlier

  • StarryNight Enthusiast 6 and earlier

  • Stella 10 and earlier

  • TurningPoint App 8.3.0

  • Wireshark 2.4 and earlier

  • Zotero 5.0.44 and earlier

 

New with Big Sur:

  • Redesigned Dock, Menu Bar, new icons, updated Notification Center and more
  • Safari updates including: WebExtensions API support, Safari extensions on the App Store and Privacy updates
  • Enhancements to built in macOS apps (Maps, Messages, Mail)
  • Improved Privacy:
    New privacy information detailed in the Mac App Store will help users understand the privacy practices of apps before downloading them, including the types of data the apps might collect — such as usage, contact information, or location — and whether that data is shared with third parties for tracking.
     

You may also need to consider the hardware specifications for this OS.

Big Sur requires at least 35.5 GB of hard drive space to be available before installing.
Big Sur will be most compatible on these models of Macs:
 
Macbook (2015 or newer)
Macbook Pro (2015 or newer)
MacBook Air (2015 or newer)
Mac mini (2015 or newer)
iMac (2015 or newer)
Mac Pro (2013 or newer, or older models with Metal-compatible GPU)
iMac Pro (2017)
 
Accordingly, the following models capable of running macOS Catalina will not be able to be upgraded to macOS Big Sur:
 
2012 and Early 2013 MacBook Pro
2012 MacBook Air
2012 and 2013 iMac
2012 Mac mini
 

Please contact the LTS Help Desk with any questions.