The public beta of Apple’s new operating system for Mac has been released by the tech giant. Those who do not want to wait until the release of the full version of the software can enroll in the beta program. Since it is an open beta, users do not need a developer account in order to participate. The only must-have is an Apple ID, which you will use to download the new OS.
Proceed with Caution
The macOS High Sierra has numerous new features; however, since the current state of the software is in beta, you have to proceed with caution. Participating in beta programs of applications comes with some problems. To avoid the loss of data, we suggest you first do a thorough backup of your Mac or install the beta on a secondary Mac (if you have one on hand) or on a separate partition of your Mac system.
To a create a new partition on your Mac, follow these simple steps (or you can navigate to Apple’s site for official instructions):
1. Launch Disk Utility.
2. Select the disk you’d like to partition from the left panel and then click the “Partition” button.
3. Click the “+” button below the Partition Layout diagram.
4. Choose a size for the new partition by dragging to resize a wedge of the pie chart that represents your hard drive (The total size of the macOS High Sierra is 4.9 GB) and give it a name. You can leave the format as “Mac OS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted).”
5. Click Apply and wait a few minutes for the new partition to be created by the OS.
Be Sure Your Device Supports High Sierra
As with most of the operating systems, High Sierra has its own requirements. If you are using an old device or are not sure if your Mac is capable of running the new OS, check this list of compatible models below:
- MacBook (Late 2009 and later)
- MacBook Air (2010 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2010 and later)
- iMac (Late 2009 and later)
- Mac Pro (2010 and later)
- Mac mini (2010 and later)
Do a Backup!
To avoid problems with old systems, you need to back up your system. Apple has a great and simple app, Time Machine, which lets you do so.
Enroll and Install the Beta
Firstly, you need to navigate to the Apple Beta Software Program website. While there, use your Apple ID to sign in and enroll in the beta. If you have done the backup, scroll past Step 1 and click “Download the MacOS Public Beta Access Utility” button in Step 2.
The new version of the OS will start to download. When the download is finished, launch the installer and follow the instructions. In the case of a successful installation, the Mac App Store will launch with MacOS High Sierra. If not, head back to the Apple Beta Software Program website and click the link for “View the MacOS public beta” in the Mac App Store in Step 3. After clicking the Download button in the Mac App Store, the public beta should be installed. When the download is finished, you will have to choose where to install the OS. In case you created a partition, click “Show All Disks” and select your partition before clicking Install.
You are ready! Enjoy the macOS High Sierra beta!
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