MacOS 10.13, also known as High Sierra, is the fourteenth major release of Apple’s desktop operating system. It introduced several new features and improvements, making it a desirable upgrade for Macbook Air users. If you’re a Macbook Air user and want to experience MacOS 10.13, this blog post is for you. In this article, we will explore different methods to get MacOS 10.13 on your Macbook Air, allowing you to enjoy the latest features and enhancements.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get MacOS 10.13 on Your Macbook Air
Upgrading to MacOS 10.13 on your Macbook Air has several benefits that make it worth considering. Here are a few reasons why you should get MacOS 10.13 on your Macbook Air:
One of the significant advantages of MacOS 10.13 is its improved performance and responsiveness. Apple has implemented several optimizations under the hood, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better overall system performance.
Security is always a top concern, and MacOS 10.13 comes with enhanced security features. These include improvements to the Safari web browser, advanced file-level encryption, and intelligent tracking prevention. Upgrading to MacOS 10.13 ensures that you have the latest security measures in place to protect your data and privacy.
Another compelling reason to upgrade is the introduction of new and exciting features. MacOS 10.13 brings updated versions of native apps like Photos, Safari, and Mail with significant improvements and new capabilities. Additionally, it introduces features like Auto Unlock with Apple Watch, iCloud syncing for iMessages, and Siri enhancements.
Overall, upgrading to MacOS 10.13 on your Macbook Air will provide you with a more secure and efficient computing experience while enjoying the latest features and improvements.
Method 1: How to Get MacOS 10.13 via App Store
Getting MacOS 10.13 on your Macbook Air through the App Store is the most straightforward method. Follow the steps below to upgrade your system:
1. Open the App Store on your Macbook Air.
2. Click on the "Updates" tab at the top of the App Store window.
3. If MacOS 10.13 is available as an update, you will see it listed. Click on the "Update" button next to it.
4. The MacOS 10.13 update file will start downloading. Once the download is complete, you will be prompted to begin the installation process.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of MacOS 10.13.
6. After the installation is finished, your Macbook Air will restart, and you’ll be running MacOS 10.13.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to upgrade to MacOS 10.13. | 1. Requires an internet connection to download the update. |
| 2. Automatic updates ensure that you have the latest version without manually searching for the download file. | 2. Requires sufficient disk space to store the downloaded update file. |
| 3. Seamlessly integrates with existing apps and settings. | 3. May require some time to download and install the update, depending on your internet speed. |
Method 2: How to Get MacOS 10.13 via MacOS Recovery
If you encounter any issues with the App Store method or want to perform a clean installation, you can use the MacOS Recovery feature to get MacOS 10.13. Here’s how:
1. Restart your Macbook Air and hold down Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
2. Release the keys once you see the macOS Utilities window.
3. From the macOS Utilities window, select "Reinstall macOS" or "Reinstall OS X", depending on the version currently installed on your Macbook Air.
4. Click "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall MacOS.
5. During the installation process, you will have the option to select the version of MacOS you want to install. Choose MacOS 10.13 and proceed.
6. Wait for the installation to complete, and your Macbook Air will restart with MacOS 10.13 installed.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows for a clean installation of MacOS 10.13. | 1. Requires a stable internet connection for the download. |
| 2. Useful if you encounter issues with the App Store method or want to start fresh. | 2. Requires backing up your data before reinstalling macOS. |
| 3. Can be used to perform a clean installation, improving system performance. | 3. Depending on your internet speed, the download and installation process may take some time. |
Method 3: How to Get MacOS 10.13 via Bootable USB Drive
Creating a bootable USB drive with MacOS 10.13 installation files allows you to install the operating system on multiple Macbook Air devices without the need for an internet connection. Here’s how to create and use a bootable USB drive:
1. Connect a USB drive with sufficient storage capacity to your Macbook Air.
2. Open the App Store and download the MacOS 10.13 installation file.
3. Once the download is complete, close the installation window that appears.
4. Open the "Terminal" application, which can be found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder.
5. In the Terminal window, enter the following command: `sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/USB_DRIVE_NAME`
(Replace "USB_DRIVE_NAME" with the name of your USB drive.)
6. Press Enter and provide your administrator password when prompted.
7. The Terminal will indicate the progress of creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time.
8. After the bootable USB drive is created, restart your Macbook Air and hold down the Option key until you see the startup disk selection screen.
9. Select the bootable USB drive from the list and press Enter to start the installation of MacOS 10.13.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows for installation of MacOS 10.13 on multiple devices without the need for an internet connection. | 1. Requires access to another Mac device to create the bootable USB drive. |
| 2. Can be used to perform a clean installation or reinstall MacOS 10.13. | 2. Requires a relatively large USB drive with sufficient storage space. |
| 3. Provides a portable and offline installation method. | 3. Creating the bootable USB drive and the installation process may take longer than other methods. |
Method 4: How to Get MacOS 10.13 via Time Machine Backup
If you have a Time Machine backup of your Macbook Air that includes MacOS 10.13, you can restore your system to that backup, effectively getting MacOS 10.13 on your device. Here’s how:
1. Connect the Time Machine backup drive to your Macbook Air.
2. Restart your Macbook Air and hold down Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
3. Release the keys once you see the macOS Utilities window.
4. From the macOS Utilities window, select "Restore from Time Machine Backup."
5. Click "Continue" and select your Time Machine backup drive.
6. Choose the backup from which you want to restore, which should include MacOS 10.13.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your Macbook Air from the Time Machine backup.
8. The restoration process will replace your current system with the Time Machine backup, effectively giving you MacOS 10.13.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows for easy restoration of a previous system that includes MacOS 10.13. | 1. Requires an external Time Machine backup drive with a backup containing MacOS 10.13. |
| 2. Useful if you want to revert to a previous system configuration or recover lost data. | 2. Requires backing up your data regularly with Time Machine. |
| 3. Provides an option to get MacOS 10.13 without the need for an internet connection. | 3. The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of the backup. |
What to Do If You Can’t Get MacOS 10.13
If you encounter difficulties getting MacOS 10.13 on your Macbook Air using the methods described earlier, here are some possible fixes:
1. Check system requirements: Make sure your Macbook Air meets the minimum system requirements for MacOS 10.13. Some older models may not be compatible with the latest operating system.
2. Check available disk space: Ensure that you have sufficient free disk space to accommodate the MacOS 10.13 installation files. Clearing up some space by removing unnecessary files or applications can help.
3. Check internet connection: Stable and reliable internet connectivity is crucial for downloading MacOS 10.13. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection during the download process.
4. Contact Apple support: If none of the methods mentioned in this article work for you, it’s best to reach out to Apple support for further assistance. They can help troubleshoot the issue and provide specific guidance for your situation.
Bonus Tips
1. Before upgrading to MacOS 10.13, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files and data. This ensures that you can easily restore your data if something goes wrong during the upgrade process.
2. Take advantage of iCloud syncing for iMessages introduced in MacOS 10.13. It allows you to keep your iMessages in sync across all your Apple devices, making it easier to continue conversations seamlessly.
3. Explore the new features in Photos introduced in MacOS 10.13. The updated Photos app offers improved organization, better editing tools, and enhanced integration with third-party apps for a richer photo editing experience.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is it necessary to upgrade to MacOS 10.13 on my Macbook Air?
A: Upgrading to MacOS 10.13 is not mandatory, but it is recommended to stay up to date with the latest features, improvements, and security patches.
Q2: Can I downgrade from MacOS 10.13 to a previous version?
A: Yes, it is possible to downgrade from MacOS 10.13 to a previous version if you have a Time Machine backup or a bootable installation drive with the desired version.
Q3: Are there any potential issues or compatibility concerns when upgrading to MacOS 10.13?
A: While MacOS 10.13 is generally well-received, there may be some compatibility issues with certain apps or hardware. It’s advisable to check the compatibility of your critical apps and peripherals before upgrading.
Q4: Can I update directly from an older MacOS version to MacOS 10.13?
A: Yes, you can update directly from older MacOS versions to MacOS 10.13. However, it’s always recommended to have a backup of your important data before proceeding with the update.
Q5: Will upgrading to MacOS 10.13 affect my current data and settings?
A: Upgrading to MacOS 10.13 should not affect your data and settings. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files before performing any system update.
Final Thoughts
Getting MacOS 10.13 on your Macbook Air opens up a world of new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Follow the methods outlined in this article to upgrade your system to MacOS 10.13 and enjoy the benefits it offers. Whether you choose to get it via the App Store, MacOS Recovery, a bootable USB drive, or a Time Machine backup, always remember to back up your data and ensure that your Macbook Air meets the system requirements for a smooth upgrade process. Stay up to date and make the most of your Macbook Air with MacOS 10.13.