Upgrade to High Sierra from El Capitan: What You Need to Know

Upgrading your Mac from macOS El Capitan to High Sierra is a significant step, but it's essential to understand the implications before making the jump. One of the most important things to consider is that there is no easy way to go back once you've upgraded, as earlier file systems are unrecognized by Apple File System (APFS).

High Sierra will convert your Mac's current file system, HFS+, to APFS. If your Mac is running macOS 10.12 (Sierra), 10.11 (El Capitan) or earlier, it's crucial that you perform a full Time Machine backup before upgrading. Not all features in High Sierra are supported on older Macs, so be sure to check Apple's website for details on compatibility.

For example, the new High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) video codec requires newer hardware, such as the 2016 MacBook Pro. Apple plans to add support for this feature in the future. Additionally, Macs with fusion drives, like the iMac, will continue to use HFS+ and won't be supported by APFS.

It's also important to determine if your Mac is compatible with High Sierra before taking the leap. You can find a comprehensive list of compatible and incompatible apps on Macrumors. For other apps, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud, make sure you have updated versions installed to avoid any compatibility issues.

Before installing High Sierra, prepare your Mac by modifying disk tools and file system-related apps to support APFS. This is essential for a smooth upgrade process.

High Sierra comes with several new features that give its predecessor a more polished look and feel. The desktop is more exposed, with a file manager and more free range to roam. However, macOS is a more complex operating system due to its need to support third-party applications, which can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

In summary, upgrading from El Capitan to High Sierra requires careful planning and preparation. Make sure you back up your Mac, check compatibility, and prepare for any potential issues before making the upgrade.

Upgrade to high sierra from el capitan