macOS Big Sur Update Overview

Should I update my Mac to Big Sur?

Many wonder whether they should update their Macs to Big Sur straightaway. What might stop you is the reputation of the macOS Big Sur beta version. It was marked #1 on the least stable Apple releases list. Among known issues are unexpected reboots and typical for the previous releases—apps freezing and not working like they are supposed to.

• If you’re okay with the initial bugs—try your luck and update to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1. However, consider these before updating:
• If you don’t feel like having disturbances in your Mac’s performance (like troubles during the Big Sur installation)—postpone updating. The next macOS Big Sur updates will bring bug fixes.

If you need all of the apps to run as usual because you need them for work or so (no one wants to have a video conference breaking up)—upgrade when the next build is released.

A note from our experts:

 

Before upgrading your macOS, ensure your Mac has enough space for the new software. MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup automatically removes caches, log files, mail attachments, and other unnecessary items. Try ot out today!

 

Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup:

1. Download MacKeeper and install it on your Mac.
2. Go to the left-hand menu and select Safe Cleanup.
3. Click the Start Scan button.
4. Select the file to remove and click Clean Junk Files.

Prepare your Mac for upgrade

Get ready for the macOS Big Sur upgrade by freeing up space on your Mac. You’ll need a bit more than 12GB to download it. Many Mac users can bump into the lack of disk space problems while upgrading to macOS 11.

How can you win extra GB back for the macOS Big Sur installer?

1. Delete useless files. Run the Safe Cleanup scan in MacKeeper 5 to get rid of junk files, duplicates, mail attachments, cache, logs, and even empty Trash. You might be surprised at how much GB are wasted by those items.
2. Review apps. Unused or long-forgotten apps contribute significantly to reducing free space on your Mac. The Mackeeper's Smart Uninstaller tool deals with such and helps you decide and delete the software you don’t need anymore.

With an extra 12 GB at hand, read on to find out how to download and install macOS Big Sur.

Big Sur compatible devices

Check out the table below to see if your Mac is eligible for the Big Sur upgrade:

Go for the extended list of compatible Macs here.

How to download & update to macOS Big Sur?

With your Mac model compatible with macOS Big Sur and enough free space—check how to download and install it. You can do this in two ways.

Via the App Store

1. Open the App Store app—type in the search bar Big Sur—press Enter.
2. Click View next to the macOS Big Sur search option.
3. Click the blue Get button—press Download to confirm you want to download the macOS Big Sur.
4. After the download—wait for the installer to open automatically—follow the hints to load and install macOS Big Sur.

Via System Preferences

1. Open System Preferences—click the Software Update tab.
2. Wait for the scan for updates to be over—click the Upgrade Now button.
3. Check for the install window to open automatically upon the download.
4. Go through the follow-up instructions on how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur.

What is new in Big Sur?

Big Sur has an extensive list of updates—from privacy, design to international features. Read on to get a brief intro on the updates.

The refined design and user experience

The new macOS gives your Mac a fresh new look. The vivid color palette, smooth window corners, new apps icons, changed buttons and controls shape, new sounds on your Mac will make your Mac experience even better. Let’s see what else has been upgraded:

• The Dock. The redesigned translucent Dock lets your wallpaper be seen through. Also, it gets easier to recognize the apps icons in the Dock

• Control Center. The new Control Center can be customized, and now you can make features and controls for the apps you use the most meet in one place
• Sidebar. Now it’s full-height and lets you find what you need much quicker
• Notification Center. Grouped and interactive notifications will make your everyday routine tasks more comfortable and more fun to do.

• Customize widgets by size, remove or add the ones you want just by dragging them to the widgets list
• Pin apps to the menu bar. Just drag & drop apps you wish to see in the menu bar

The enhanced Safari

The new features added to Safari will lure more Mac users into making it as a default browser. Its new privacy features are a major breakthrough, allowing you to monitor your saved passwords and get instant warnings in case they get leaked. Plus, detailed privacy reports on each website you visit will show you the trackers prevented by Safari. And that’s just a small part of the improvements.

See what has been improved:

• Speed. Safari is claimed to be one of the fastest browsers. Now it loads frequently visited websites 50% faster than Chrome
• Start page. Make your Safari start page look the way you want—set background with the photo you like and add Favorites, Reading List, or Safari Privacy Report to the start page

• Favicons in your default tabs will help you recognize and open the tabs you need at once
• Power efficiency. Use the new Safari for energy-saving and have one additional hour of web surfing in comparison to Chrome or Firefox
• Website preview. Hover over a tab to get a sneak peek of what’s on the webpage you’re about to visit
• Monitor passwords. Safari will notify you if any of the passwords you’ve saved get leaked in a data breach
• Privacy Report. Get a detailed report on your internet activity and see the list of online trackers detected by Safari

• Import Chrome bookmarks. Now you can import your bookmarks, history, or passwords from Chrome to Safari

Other updates

Maps

Maps upgraded features include indoor maps, guides recommending some local places to visit, 3D look around the view, cycling routes, and more.

Messages

Pin, group your conversations, mention people in the group chat, and answer a specific message with inline replies. These and much more come with the new Messages.

Airpods

With macOS Big Sur AirPods, switch between your Apple devices automatically (when paired to one iCloud account). It’s pretty convenient when you are switching from an iPhone to a Mac.

Bottom line

If you can’t wait any longer to use all the newest features and you’re aware of possible bugs—go get it! However, we would recommend holding off until Big Sur gets updated to become more stable.