1. Macbook Pro Early 2011 Upgrade To Catalina Os
2. Macbook Pro Early 2011 Upgrade To Catalina
3. How To Upgrade Macbook Pro Late 2011 To Catalina

Thanks to the wonderful Catalina patcher tool from @dosdude1 I could upgrade from El Capitan to Catalina 10.15., astoundingly OS X 10.15 runs quite well on it. Naturally the System got revamped over time (dual Crucial MX500 SSD instead of the HD and DVD drives, 4 GB memory and I swapped the Broadcom WiFi module a few years ago against the. The macOS Catalina features are ready to use once you install macOS X El Capitan. Then you can enjoy macOS El Capitan features and new updates. The list of features are as excellent protection, performance, and usability of OS X. Problem-solving, and improve features. MacBook (Early 2015 or newer) MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer) MacBook Pro with Retina display (Mid 2012 or newer) Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer) iMac (Late 2012 or newer) iMac Pro (2017) Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer) Boot Camp. Allows Boot Camp installations of Windows 10 on supported Mac models. Exchange Support. The newest MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac or Mac mini that can‘t upgrade debuted in 2011. The standout is the 2012 Mac Pro, which can‘t install macOS 10.15. Macs that support macOS Catalina.

Introduction: How To: MacBook Pro Late 2011 Memory Upgrade - 16GB (2 X 8GB)

I have a late 2011 13-inch MacBook Pro that continues to be a workhorse. This particular model is the 'option' model (2.8GHz MacBook Pro MD314LL/A) meaning it came with the Core i7 and a 750gb hard drive. Memory upgrades for the late 2011 should be the same for all models and sizes of that release cycle but do some research for yourself. The specs for this model and the standard 13-inch late 2011 can be found here (Apple Specs).

In the specs Apple reports the 13-inch models will support up to 8GB of RAM - 4GB per slot. In actuality this model will support 16GB of RAM - 8GB per slot. If at all possible you should test memory modules before buying to ensure your MBP will recognize the full 16GB. *I cannot guarantee that you will have the same results I did. My theory is that if a MBP will not accept the full 16GB it will still recognize at least one stick or part of the memory unless the memory is bad.

As far as upgrades go this is pretty straight forward and not difficult at all. Below is what you will need:

2 x 8GB laptop memory modules - I will detail specs later

20mm cross tip screwdriver

Clean workspace

Anti-static strap - optional but recommended

Step 1: New Memory

Fortunately I have a vendor that I can get OEM hardware from and save $. For this upgrade I have 2 x 8GB Samsung memory modules. Many times memory is advertised for a specific brand of computer but as long as the specs meet your device you should be good to go. Don't be fooled into thinking memory for a MBP is specific to Apple. I have used this same spec memory to upgrade Sony, HP, Asus, iMac amongst others. Thankfully there is no monopoly when it comes to memory.

You can see the detail specs on the modules in the picture. 204 pin, DDR3, 1600MHz, PC3L-12800S-11-13-F3, M471B1G73EB0-YKO. Not sure about availability; these were picked up locally in S.Korea.

Step 2: Disassembly

Ensure that your MBP is powered off completely, not in sleep mode. You also want to disconnect any external power source.

Flip the MBP over to expose the screws on the bottom side. In all there are 10 screws that have to be removed. There are two different sizes which I will simply refer to as short and long - 3 long and 7 short. You can see their locations in the picture provided. You may want to have a small cup or container to put the screws in so they don't get lost.

Using a cross tip screwdriver remove the screws one at a time. I used a 0x20mm and for convenience it has an end that spins so you can easily hold the screwdriver in place while you loosen/tighten.

It's not difficult to remember where the long screws go but make a mental note. In the picture you can see the long screws - they are on the hinge side. This may be different on a 15-inch model.

The bottom cover will easily lift off exposing the guts of the MBP. Here you can see the superdrive, hard drive, and battery are accessible for other repairs/upgrades that might be needed.

Step 3: Memory Removal & Replacement

You now have access to the old memory modules which are stacked one on top of the other. Many technicians will remove the battery connector (to the right of the memory) at this point to cut any power that may be connected to the motherboard and modules. I have never done this and never had any problems. This is where the anti-static strap comes in. Basically you want to ensure that you are grounded and do not have any charge that can be released to the module. A static charge can damage memory and many other electrical components.

The memory will be firmly seated and held in place with two plastic tabs on each side. You will need to spread the tabs outward releasing the memory module. It should spring up a little. At this point you can grab the memory at the ends of the module and slightly pull away from the board at a small angle. The module should slide out.

The second module is removed the same way. Try to touch the memory along the edges of the circuit board and not touch the chips or connector.

Installation is simply done in reverse order. The modules will only fit one way so there is no concern of installing it incorrectly. Just remember the angle in which the modules rested after the tabs were released. Insert a new 8GB module into the bottom slot at the same angle. When it is properly seated you should be able to gently push down on the module and it lock in place. Do the same with the second (top) module.

Step 4: Reassembly

While the laptop is open look for any dust bunnies or crud that might need to be cleaned out. The MBP is sealed properly which helps prevent foreign objects from entering the chassis. Either way, marvel yourself at the components and construction.

Reassembly is basically doing things in reverse. Line up the bottom plate and begin replacing the screws. I have always done this in an alternating manner (across from each other) and not fully tightening down until all screws have been started.

Macbook Pro Early 2011 Upgrade To Catalina Os

Step 5: The Magic

Fire up the rig and let the system boot. If it fails to boot you know something went wrong and you will need to being troubleshooting the memory.

Once booted you can check your system information - Apple logo->About This Mac to see if it is reporting the new memory. Click on More Info to get more information. Click on the Memory tab to get specific memory information.

As you can see my MBP is reporting the 16GB of memory running at 1600MHz. For everyday use I will not notice a gain in performance as 8GB is typically enough memory. I am definitely enjoying the performance gains with the virtual machines I run and test in VMware.

Step 6: Testing (optional)

If you are not aware you can download and run memory testing software which will put the modules through a series of tests. I use Memtest86 which can be used on a bootable CD or USB drive. This is optional and not typically necessary if the system is reporting the full amount of memory.

I hope this helps someone and maybe your system can actually do more than you thought. By the way, I'm not partial to Apple but I do love my MBP.

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macOS Catalina was the newest operating system by Apple until macOS Big Sur succeeded it in 2020. If your Mac still runs Mojave or an even older macOS version, you'll be amazed by all the new features and improvements in Catalina. So here’s how to upgrade to macOS Catalina.

First, clear out the junk

When you do a regular upgrade, the installer replaces some files on your Mac with others, but leaves most untouched. That means that all the system junk your Mac has accumulated over the years stays there. And as you upgrade year after year, you accumulate more and more. As you can imagine, upgrading your operating system on a junk-filled Mac is rather like putting one layer of wallpaper on top of another — eventually you have to scrape it off and start again.

Likewise, it’s always a good idea to clear out the clutter before you upgrade. My recommendation, after years of experience upgrading Macs, is that you use CleanMyMac X. It’s very quick and easy to use and will get rid of clutter, making your Mac run more smoothly and freeing up tens of gigabytes of disk space. You can either let it decide what to remove or go through its scan results yourself and decide what to trash and what to keep.

Then, backup your Mac

As you will see below, there are a couple of different ways you can upgrade to Catalina, but before you decide, and certainly before you upgrade, you should make a full backup of your current Mac setup. Upgrading one OS on top of another carries very few risks, but they are not non-existent so be safe now rather than sorry later. If you use Time Machine you can make a backup with that. But the best idea is to make a complete bootable clone of your current startup disk on an external drive.

To clean install or not to clean install

Remember I said you had a couple of options for upgrading? Here they are:

1. Regular install
2. Clean install

A regular install places Catalina files on your startup disk over the top of whatever OS you’re currently running. It doesn’t overwrite anything else. So all your applications, documents, settings, photos, movies, and music stay where they are. Unfortunately, all the junk files your Mac has accumulated also remain there. This option is quicker in the short-term, but your Mac won’t run as smoothly in the long-term. If you choose this option, I’d definitely recommend you use CleanMyMac X to clear out the clutter, before you upgrade.

Macbook Pro Early 2011 Upgrade To Catalina

A clean install erases your startup disk completely and then installs macOS Catalina on a completely clean disk. It takes longer, but in the long run your Mac will run more quickly and more smoothly. You will have to clone your startup disk before you start, and then spend time reinstalling applications and setting them up afterwards, however.

How to do a regular install of macOS Catalina

1. Check that your Mac can run Catalina. Here’s the list of compatible Macs:

MacBook 2015 and later

MacBook Air 2012 and later

MacBook Pro 2012 and later

IMac 2012 and later

IMac Pro 2017 and later

Mac Pro 2013 and later

2. Make sure you’re connected to the internet and have a reliable connection. If you’re using a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, plug it into mains power.

3. Launch the App Store app on your Mac and search for 'macOS Catalina.'

4. When you find it, click 'Get.'

5. Wait for Catalina to download and when it’s ready to install, click Continue. Type in your admin username and password, if necessary.

6. Wait for Catalina to install. Your Mac will restart several times and it may take a while, so be patient! If you are using a laptop, don’t close the lid.

7. Once it has finished installing, you can continue to use your Mac as normal.

How to clean install macOS Catalina

We have covered clean installing Catalina in more detail in this article How to Clean Install macOS Catalina but here’s a summary.

How To Upgrade Macbook Pro Late 2011 To Catalina

1. Make a full bootable clone of your Mac, just in case the worst happens.
2. Grab a USB stick that’s at least 16GB capacity, or an external hard drive or USB stick.
3. Erase and re-format the USB stick or external disk.
4. Create a bootable installer on the disk.
5. Boot from the new install disk and use Disk Utility in macOS Utilities to erase your startup disk.
6. Go back to macOS Utilities and choose install macOS, with your startup disk as the location for the install.

Once it’s finished, set up your Mac, reinstall applications and restore your settings.

My apps are slow or stopped working on macOS Catalina

Okay, you’ve successfully installed macOS 10.15 Catalina. But some of your apps are no longer available. That’s a heavy blow from macOS Catalina as it no longer supports 32-bit apps. According to Apple, 64-bit apps are more memory-efficient than 32-bit ones. But for most of us it means we will lose many favorite games and applications, including Photoshop CS. To minimize the damage, you should first check how many 32-bit apps you have. It's possible to do with the same Mac maintenance app we've mentioned above.

• Run CleanMyMac X — you can download a free edition here.
• Click the Uninstaller tab.
• Now, by clicking on the 32-bit tab, you will see the list of 32-bit apps on your Mac.

Next up, click the Updater tab.
Here you can update your 32-apps (and all the rest of apps) to newer versions. Many developers have already optimized their software for 64-bit architecture. With this method you’ll update all your software in one-go to make it Catalina-friendly. As you can see, I can update 17 apps with just one button.

Thanks for reading this article. Hope you will like it on Catalina!