How to Upgrade to macOS Monterey

This article walks you through where to find the macOS Monterey upgrade and how to install it on your computer, including some quick tips to follow if macOS Monterey won't install on your computer.

How Do I Get macOS Monterey?

The macOS Monterey is a free update for anyone with an eligible computer, and there are two ways you can get the update:

• Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences > Software Update. If the software update is available, you can click Upgrade Now to begin the download and installation process.
• Alternatively, you can download the update from the Mac App Store.

Regardless of how you get the upgrade, Apple will automatically guide you through the download and installation process once you start the download.

How Do You Install macOS Monterey?

The installation process for macOS Monterey is straightforward. Once you locate the update file and click Upgrade now, the file will begin the download and installation process. After a few minutes, you'll start to see prompts that will walk you through installation.

1. A few minutes after you click Upgrade Now, you'll see an installation prompt. Click Continue to begin the installation process.
   

2. Then you're prompted to acknowledge and agree to the user license agreement. Read through the information provided, click Agree, and click Agree again.
   

3. The next screen confirms where you want to install macOS Monterey. Make sure the correct drive is selected and click Continue.
   

4. You'll be prompted to enter your Apple credentials to continue the installation process. Enter them and click Unlock.
   

5. The installation process will begin. It could take a while for the file to download and install, depending on connection speed and how much space is available on your computer.

   Once the installation is complete, you'll be prompted to restart your computer to finalize the installation process.

After you've restarted your computer, you'll be running macOS Monterey.

Why Won't macOS Monterey Install?

If you're having trouble installing macOS Monterey, there are a few problems you could be running into:

• Your Mac might not be compatible. Compatibility is one of the most common reasons macOS Monterey won't install on your computer. Apple has a detailed list of the systems compatible with macOS Monterey.
• You might not have enough storage left. If your Mac's storage is near capacity, you might not have enough room for the installation files. If so, you won't be able to install macOS Monterey.
• The macOS installer files might be corrupted. Any number of problems can corrupt your installation file. Try removing the Monterey download file and downloading a fresh version. Then try again to install Monterey.