How to Install macOS Big Sur on an Unsupported Mac

Installing macOS Big Sur on an unsupported Mac can be a tricky process, but it’s not impossible. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to get the latest version of macOS running on your unsupported Mac.

Step 1: Check the System Requirements

Before you begin the process of installing macOS Big Sur on an unsupported Mac, you should make sure that your system meets the necessary requirements. Big Sur requires at least 8GB of RAM and a minimum of 15GB of free disk space. If your Mac doesn’t meet these requirements, then you won’t be able to install Big Sur.

Step 2: Download macOS Big Sur

Once you’ve confirmed that your Mac meets the system requirements, you’ll need to download the macOS Big Sur installer. You can download the installer from the Mac App Store. Once the installer has finished downloading, you’ll need to move it to your Applications folder.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Once you’ve downloaded the macOS Big Sur installer, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive. This will allow you to install Big Sur on your unsupported Mac. To create a bootable USB drive, you’ll need a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage space. Once you’ve got the USB drive, you’ll need to use the Disk Utility application to create the bootable drive.

Step 4: Boot From the USB Drive

Once you’ve created the bootable USB drive, you’ll need to boot from it. To do this, you’ll need to restart your Mac and hold down the Option key as it boots up. This will bring up a menu where you can select the USB drive as the boot device.

Step 5: Install macOS Big Sur

Once you’ve successfully booted from the USB drive, you’ll be taken to the macOS Big Sur installer. From here, you can follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Make sure that you select the “Erase and Install” option when prompted. This will ensure that you get a clean install of Big Sur on your Mac.

Step 6: Configure Your System

Once you’ve completed the installation process, you’ll need to configure your Mac. This includes setting up your user accounts, setting the date and time, and configuring your network settings. Once you’ve done this, you can begin using Big Sur on your unsupported Mac.

Installing macOS Big Sur on an unsupported Mac can be a tricky process, but with the right setup and preparation, it’s definitely possible. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to get the latest version of macOS running on your unsupported Mac.