{"id":1757674,"date":"2019-10-02T21:01:22","date_gmt":"2019-10-02T21:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/?post_type=articles&p=1757674"},"modified":"2022-07-08T15:17:23","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T15:17:23","slug":"macos-10-15-catalina-download-and-install-guide","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/macos-10-15-catalina-download-and-install-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"macOS 10.15 Catalina Download and Install Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

IMPORTANT! BEFORE YOU BEGIN:<\/strong>

macOS 10.15 Catalina is now available to the public. Do not upgrade to macOS 10.15 Catalina until you have confirmed compatibility with your third-party software and audio\/MIDI devices. Learn more on our macOS 10.15 Catalina Compatibility List<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this guide, we will show you how to upgrade your Mac\u2019s operating system to macOS 10.15 Catalina. Before upgrading, verify your Mac, audio\/MIDI devices, and DAW\/plug-in software are each compatible and officially supported for 10.15 Catalina. You also need to create a Time Machine backup in case you want to restore the macOS version installed before the upgrade. Follow each of the sections below to get started.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    \r\n
  1. Verify compatibility for macOS 10.15 Catalina<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\r\n
  2. Create a Time Machine backup<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\r\n
  3. Download macOS 10.15 Catalina<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\r\n
  4. Install macOS 10.15 Catalina<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\r\n
  5. Related content<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Verify compatibility for macOS 10.15 Catalina<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    If you want to upgrade your Mac\u2019s operating system to macOS 10.15 Catalina, you must first see that the new version is compatible. Macs incompatible with 10.15 Catalina do not support that version of macOS and are not able to perform the upgrade. Even if your Mac and Apple products are supported, third-party software like DAWs and virtual instruments or hardware like audio and MIDI interfaces might not work at all until officially supported by the manufacturer. That typically means finding the latest compatibility information on the manufacturer\u2019s product page.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Take into account the usual best practices for macOS updates, like waiting for software and hardware manufacturers to announce compatibility before upgrading (aka being officially supported)<\/em>. Many audio and MIDI devices will be compatible right away because they use the default macOS audio class drivers. Still, older products may be discontinued or no longer supported on new macOS releases.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    No longer 32-bit compatible<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Perhaps the most important compatibility update to macOS 10.15 Catalina is that it no longer supports 32-bit software. That means if you have a DAW, plug-in, virtual instrument or other apps that are only<\/strong> 32-bit, they will not work anymore. The bottom line is this: double-check every hardware device and piece of software before upgrading, especially when using older products. Check out our macOS 10.15 Catalina Compatibility List<\/a> for compatibility statements from popular manufacturers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n