Am I supposed to update?

[zowenso]

Hello. So, I’ve been getting the pop up for the Monterey update and I’ve been putting it off. I just Tried to do it and about 15 minutes in it said it failed.

Am I supposed to update to Monterey? Is it a free update? Or am I just supposed to update Big Sur? This is what I have for a iMac. Any feedback would help. Thanks.

 

[russell_314]

Hello. So, I’ve been getting the pop up for the Monterey update and I’ve been putting it off. I just Tried to do it and about 15 minutes in it said it failed.

Am I supposed to update to Monterey? Is it a free update? Or am I just supposed to update Big Sur? This is what I have for a iMac. Any feedback would help. Thanks.

It's a free update and compatible with your Mac. Did it give an error message?

BTW I would remove the serial num but that's up to you. Not required by any forum rules that I know tho.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The update is free. Before updating, make sure to do a backup of all your personal files and make sure that all the programs you are currently using will work with Monterey.

 

[wilberforce]

Latest version of Big Sur is 11.6.1.
Updates to your current MacOS (Big Sur) are "updates."
Updates to a new MacOS (Monterey) are "upgrades."

You should always do all updates (Big Sur).

Upgrades (to Monterey) are optional, but are free.

However, I do not recommend upgrading to Monterey yet. Too many bugs. Not worth it unless you are desperate for a new Monterey feature. I know, because I have a machine with Monterey. Wait until the next version (12.1) of Monterey at least, should be later this month.

btw, your machine will benefit from more RAM than 8GB, if you are finding it slow in any way. Easily added, about $40 for another 8GB. If you are happy with it, then leave it as is.

 

[zowenso]

It's a free update and compatible with your Mac. Did it give an error message?

BTW I would remove the serial num but that's up to you. Not required by any forum rules that I know tho.

Mmm, I didn’t notice an error message, just that it said it failed. I’ll wait as suggested and make a note if it happens again. Thanks for the help.

 

[zowenso]

Latest version of Big Sur is 11.6.1.
Updates to your current MacOS (Big Sur) are "updates."
Updates to a new MacOS (Monterey) are "upgrades."

You should always do all updates (Big Sur).

Upgrades (to Monterey) are optional, but are free.

However, I do not recommend upgrading to Monterey yet. Too many bugs. Not worth it unless you are desperate for a new Monterey feature. I know, because I have a machine with Monterey. Wait until the next version (12.1) of Monterey at least, should be later this month.

btw, your machine will benefit from more RAM than 8GB, if you are finding it slow in any way. Easily added, about $40 for another 8GB. If you are happy with it, then leave it as is.

Thanks so much. Ill hold off a bit. I’m understanding now that “updates” to Big Sur and an “upgrade” to Monterey are different. Thanks for the help.

As far as the RAM, how would I add that? Thanks.

 

[DeltaMac]

There's a small access panel on the back of your 27-inch iMac. Add RAM to the slots inside that door.
This Apple service article will tell you all about that - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191

 

[wilberforce]

Thanks so much. Ill hold off a bit. I’m understanding now that “updates” to Big Sur and an “upgrade” to Monterey are different. Thanks for the help.

As far as the RAM, how would I add that? Thanks.

As the above poster said.

This 2x4GB kit should work (it is described as "laptop memory," but that is not important, it is the technical specs that matter):

Crucial RAM 8GB Kit (2x4GB) DDR4 2666 MHz CL19 Laptop Memory CT2K4G4SFS8266

CT16G4SFD824A is a 16GB DDR4 Notebook module that operates at speeds up to 2400 MT/s and has a CL17 latency. It is an Buffered SODIMM. It conforms to the industry standard DDR4 SODIMM layout of 260 pins and is compatible with systems that take DDR4 2400MT/s SODIMM memory.

www.amazon.com

You can put in bigger sticks, at more cost of course. 2x16GB is another popular option. Depends on your budget and needs. Always use matched pairs, and for optimum performance all sticks should be the same size.

 

[gilby101]

for optimum performance all sticks should be the same size

As far as the RAM, how would I add that?

For 2020 iMac, all RAM sticks need to be same size and same brand for optimal performance - otherwise speed penalty or not working. Other iMacs are not so picky - just need pairs to be the same.

Whatever you buy, only get something which is specifically guaranteed to work with iMac 2020 at full speed. Probably either Crucial or OWC - for the 2020 iMac.

 

[yitwail]

For anyone unclear about MacOS updates, they're generally not required aside from security updates. Apple just notifies you as a courtesy whenever updates are available to MacOS or to apps, in case you want the latest improvements or bug fixes. I generally do app updates when available, but with a new MacOS version, I wait until bugs are fixed before updating.

 

[wilberforce]

For 2020 iMac, all RAM sticks need to be same size and same brand for optimal performance - otherwise speed penalty or not working. Other iMacs are not so picky - just need pairs to be the same.

Only partially true , despite the fact this is what Apple says for 2020 iMac. Only need to be the same size, not all same brand, for optimal performance. Can have two of one brand and two of another brand, provided they are ordered AABB in the slots, instead of the normal ABAB. This only applies for 2020 iMac. I and many others have confirmed. Which is fortunate for RAM upgraders.
Agree with your last sentence about other iMacs

 

[gilby101]

Only partially true

Thanks for correcting me.

 

[throAU]

However, I do not recommend upgrading to Monterey yet. Too many bugs. Not worth it unless you are desperate for a new Monterey feature. I know, because I have a machine with Monterey. Wait until the next version (12.1) of Monterey at least, should be later this month.

This. My new MacBook Pro shipped with Monterey so I need to run it, but if you're not currently on it wait until 12.1 which is due any day now.

In fact, I'd just keep running what you're running for the next few days until Monterey 12.1 drops, see what the fall out is and then decide whether to stay on Big Sur or upgrade at that point.

Monterey is great, but it does leak memory a bit right now, supposedly fixed in 12.1

 

[ewu]

don't have to rush to upgrade,

if mac os big sur is running good for you daily work or company work,

leave it like that until one day is far too old.

 

[Bodhitree]

I’d agree with the others that it’s better to wait until 12.1 to upgrade.

But I wouldn’t wait until you run into some software that *requires* an updated os. It can be very inconvenient to have to upgrade an os under time pressure, when you just want to run a utility app. I’m a fan of keeping machines up to date.