This Update Requires macOS version 10.8 or later

Hi All,

I'm trying to update an older MacBook Air that is running Lion (10.7.5). I get the error message "This Update Requires macOS version 10.8 or later" when trying to update to macOS HighSierra, which is reasonable since I should probably update incrementally. My question is WHERE do I get version 10.8 without having to pay for it? Not that I'm looking for "pirated" software, I just want to get to HighSierra. I've looked all over the place and the only thing I am seeing is BitTorrent stuff or sites wanting exorbitant amounts of money for 10.8.

Can someone help me out please?

Thanks in advance!

keega said:

My question is WHERE do I get version 10.8 without having to pay for it? Not that I'm looking for "pirated" software...

Click to expand...

You don't get 10.8 without paying for it...it is still for sale. It's the last macOS version we had to purchase. If you got it somewhere for free...it would be pirated.

Here's the link for purchase:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/D6377Z/A/os-x-mountain-lion

- Nick

Excellent! Thank you so much!

keega said:

Hi All,

I'm trying to update an older MacBook Air that is running Lion (10.7.5). I get the error message "This Update Requires macOS version 10.8 or later" when trying to update to macOS HighSierra, which is reasonable since I should probably update incrementally. My question is WHERE do I get version 10.8 without having to pay for it? Not that I'm looking for "pirated" software, I just want to get to HighSierra. I've looked all over the place and the only thing I am seeing is BitTorrent stuff or sites wanting exorbitant amounts of money for 10.8.

Can someone help me out please?

Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

You can Get the Current MacOS for free, but need to upgrade to El Capitan first, which is post MacOS 10.8

An Apple Specialist sent me this link today to bypass having to purchase Lion ($19.99) & it gave me the link to download OS X El Capitan (Mac OS 10.11)

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206886

This will enable you to click the link, which will open App Store, then will allow you to "GET". You then login to your Apple ID, then WALLAH!!! -> You'll see the new OS downloading and when it is done, it will open, ready for you to follow the install process.

* Be sure to BackUp before install & finish other operation on your computer because it will restart your computer, then allow/enable you to update to High Sierra through the App Store after the update. (Then again I'm just beginning my process of updating from OS 10.6.8 currently)

Thanks for the reminder and link. We posted this same information some time ago here in our forums but it's good to bring it up again as we always receive requests from folks wanting to update.

As mentioned here and elsewhere, Apple has changed the process a bit with a fairly recent article and one can get updated to El Capitan and then to High Sierra free:
Upgrade to macOS High Sierra.
https://www.apple.com/macos/how-to-upgrade/

Have an older version of OS X? Learn how to upgrade
Upgrading from previous versions of OS X
Upgrading from OS X Snow Leopard or Lion
If you’re running Snow Leopard (10.6.8) or Lion (10.7) and your Mac supports macOS High Sierra, you will need to upgrade to El Capitan first. Click here for instructions.

Click to expand...

For earlier version users:

Upgrading from OS X Leopard
If you’re running Leopard and would like to upgrade to macOS High Sierra, first you’ll need to upgrade to OS X Snow Leopard. You can purchase OS X Snow Leopard from the Apple Online Store.

Click to expand...

And it's best to follow Apple's suggested advice:
Before upgrading, it's a good idea to back up your Mac


EDIT: Oops, I just noticed the post above was to an older post of a few months.
One day I'll learn maybe.





- Patrick
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