Install macOS Sierra - how it works
Apple has been offering its new macOS Sierra since September 20, 2016. We show you how to install the operating system and what you should pay attention to.
Install macOS Sierra - so it'll work
What's new about macOS Sierra: Siri is probably the most exciting innovation. The voice assistant is now also available on the desktop. Incidentally, the Apple OS series loses its "X" in the name. In addition, system apps such as "Photos" or "iMessage" have been further developed and registration with the Apple Watch is now possible. The installation is not difficult - just Apple-like.
- Before you start the installation, you should definitely back up your data. You can find detailed instructions on how to backup with Time Machine to a NAS in our practical tips. It is also a good idea to back up to an external hard drive, as you can separate it from the computer after the backup.
- If you have created a backup of your system and your data, load macOS Sierra onto your computer.
- The installer file loads automatically after the download and opens the installation dialog. If you click "Continue", you will be warned again that you should create a backup before the installation. If you have already done so, you can skip the point with "Continue".
- In the next step you have to confirm the terms and conditions and then the software license agreement by clicking on "Accept".
- Now you will be asked on which volume the update should be installed. Only the system volume is offered, but you can also install macOS Sierra on an external drive and thus keep the existing system. To do this, connect the USB drive, click on "Show all volumes" and select the external drive as the target of the installation.
- The installation starts and it takes about ten minutes to complete. Your computer will restart automatically and you will have to wait a few minutes again. Then you have to restart the computer by clicking on "Restart".
- Depending on whether you overwritten the old system or carried out a new installation on an external hard drive, macOS Sierra either starts automatically or you have to go through the setup process.
Don't like? How to get rid of macOS
If you would like to undo the installation of macOS Sierra, this is of course possible.
- It is easiest if you have macOS Sierra installed on an external hard drive. Open "System Settings -> Startup Volume" and select the partition with your original system.
- If you have overwritten your system partition, restart the Mac and hold down the key combination [CMD] + [R] on the gong to get to the system recovery. Next, erase the system hard drive using Disk Utility and then select "Restore from Time Machine Backup". Determine the backup you created earlier and wait for your old system to be restored. However, this can take a while.
You can find out how to activate "Hey Siri" in macOS Sierra in the next practical tip.