macOS Upgrade Information

Owned by Kelly Thomas
Last updated: Sept 13, 2024
2 min read

All Portland State-owned Mac computers follow the support model of Apple (Apple only officially supports the three most recent version of macOS, they currently are 11 Bug Sur, 12 Monterey and 13 Ventura. If you’re running an older version of macOS, it is no longer receiving security or stability updates. You will be notified of the need to upgrade. 

Table of Contents

Why Do I Need to Upgrade?

Upgrading your Mac to a supported version is necessary because older versions of the operating system no longer receive updates or patches from Apple. Without regular updates, your Mac will become less secure over time and have problems running current versions of PSU software. Only operating systems that are being actively patched with security updates by their manufacturer are allowed access to the PSU network.

What Do I Need To Do?

We recommend that you connect your computer to the internet with an Ethernet cable, rather than through Wi-Fi, if possible. This will help ensure that your download completes quickly. If you are upgrading your laptop, you will also need to be plugged into AC power during the entire upgrade process.

  1. Open Finder > Applications > Self-Service.

  2. Sign in when prompted.

  3. Download and install the upgrade:

    1. In the search box in the upper-left corner, search for 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey or 13 Ventura.

      1. Self-Service will show the newest OS your system is capable of installing.

    2. Select Install below macOS of your choosing.

    3. In the pop-up window that appears, select Install again.

    4. Close all open applications, and leave your computer on. The upgrade will complete in 1 to 4 hours.
      Note: Do not unplug your power or Ethernet cable at any point during the upgrade.

What Happens after I Upgrade?

After upgrading, you should be able to log in and use your computer as usual. All of your files should be in the same location they were in before. You may notice that the look and feel of your desktop is slightly different.

Further Resources

For more information on self-service software, visit Self-Service Software - free software for PSU-owned computers.