Want to install macOS Big Sur, but your Mac is not on the supported list? In this detailed guide, we will learn how to install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac models. Installing macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac can be achieved with macOS Patcher file. We have a detailed guide ahead that will help you install macOS Big Sur on unsupported MAC.

You can also read our guide- How to Install macOS Catalina on Unsupported Mac: 9 Easy Steps and How To Install macOS Catalina On Virtualbox On AMD Systems: 2 Step Ultimate Guide.

Last year’s most significant WWDC event was a new version of macOS, Big Sur, and the announcement of the move to its own ARM processors. In macOS 11 (instead of the expected 10.16), Apple has massively redesigned the interface, added many new features and tools to move to new application architecture. We tell you which Mac models will be able to install macOS Big Sur.

The “Today” widgets in MacOS Big Sur are similar to the updated widgets in iOS 14. Other changes include an updated widget-enabled notification center, significantly improved messages, a powerful Safari upgrade, and more. Apple will release macOS Big Sur for all compatible Macs this fall.

Which Mac models will be supported by macOS Big Sur?

Supported devices that will receive MacOS Big Sur support:

• MacBook 2015 and newer
• MacBook Air 2013 and newer
• MacBook Pro 2013 and newer
• Mac mini 2014 and newer
• iMac 2014 and newer
• iMac Pro 2017 and newer
• Mac Pro 2013 and newer

Because macOS Big Sur is a major update, Apple has given up support for several outdated Macs. The transition to new Apple Silicon processors will take several years, so the current Macs running at Intel will be updated for a long time.

Apple also unveiled updated iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. The new WatchOS 7 won’t support the Apple Watch Series 1 and 2, but iPhone and iPad users who support iOS and iPadOS 13 will be able to upgrade their devices to the next generation of OS seamlessly.

How to install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac models?

Aug 05, 2011 Then follow this procedure: Put the unsupported Mac in Target Disk mode and plug it into a Lion supported Mac. Run the Lion installer and make sure to choose your unsupported Mac's hard drive. Let the install finish. Boot back into the supported Mac's OS, and put the unsupported Mac back to target disk mode. Jan 17, 2015 Update 2019-05-02: For those of you who want to install macOS 10.14 on an unsupported Mac, check this post. I have a MacBook Mid 2007 (more technically named MacBook2,1) that officially can not be upgraded beyond Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion). It is however possible to install Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) on it with quite good success and not too much effort. The latest officially supported version was the 32-bit version of Mac OSX Lion but the Mac Pro’s have no problem in running a full-fledged 64-bit architecture OS. The community has found a way of installing OSX Yosemite on an older Mac Pro, here is how: How to install Mac OSX Yosemite on older Mac Pro.

If you are an experienced user who is ready to install unsupported software on unsupported technology, then you are at the right place as we have prepared the easiest solution to install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac models. This is the only working method so far on the internet.

The process of Installing macOS Big Sur on an unsupported Mac is to use the macOS Big Sur patch file, which will be applied to the primary USB boot. NOTE: The method is not suitable for ordinary users. You should also avoid using Mac models without Metal GPU. On older models, performance will be deficient.

Step 1: Create a Backup

First, save a copy of your Mac with Time Machine, and then move on to the instructions.

Step 2: Download Big Sur Patcher File

To install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac models, you need to download Big Sur Patcher file. This will trick the installation files of the macOS version you want to install and convince it that the Mac is compatible. You can download Big Sur Patcher file below.

You can download the latest version of the macOS Big Sur Patcher as seen in the snapshot above.

Step 3: Open the macOS Big Sur Patcher file

Once you’ve retrieved the archive from the downloaded file, you’ll find the Patcher-Sur.dmg file.

Now simply right click the Patcher-Sur.dmg file to open it and follow the steps.

Click Start.

Click Continue.

Select Release. You can also use the Public Beta version if you want to test it.

Click Continue.

You can simple Update or proceed with a Clean installation. If you are coming from a different OS version say Catalina, you need to select Clean installation,

Download Big Sur files.

Wait for the download to finish. It might take up to 20 minutes, depending upon the speed of your wifi.

If you are facing any issues with patching, you can see this detailed guide.

Step 4: Insert USB Drive.

After inserting the USB Drive, you will be asked to enter your password. (remember this password and avoid using any special characters) and click Continue.

Now it will start installing packages onto your USB drive.

Now, select your USB disk (in my case its Install macOS Big Sur). This will completely erase your USB disk. Click Continue.

Click Continue.

Now it will start creating your macOS Big Sur installation media. It will take around 35-50 minutes to create an installation media on your USB drive.

Step 5: Install macOS Bir Sur on Unsupported Mac

Restart your MAC and continue to press option key to continue with the installation.

Now, boot from “Install macOS Big Sur.” If there is no USB device found, try to unplug and replug your USB device.

You can also use the Disk Utility if you are planning to format your drive and create a new partition and continue with the installation.

The installation may take several hours. In our case, it sometimes looked as if the installer had flown out during the upgrade. In this case, you should wait, as the installation is usually still ongoing. Over time, better ways to upgrade the machine can be found. Currently, the safest approach is to upgrade with a USB boot.

After the installation is complete, you will see that your Wi-fi is not working. So go to applications and search for Patcher file.

Right click and click to force open the file. And click on Patch Kexts. Click Continue.

Make sure the USB is still plugged-in. Click Force Skip check and enter the same password that you entered in step 4.

Now it will continue to patch the files and you can simply reboot your MAC.

Click Restart to Finish.

After you have successfully restarted your mac, you can find that everything is working perfectly.

Install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac: Some common errors and their fix.

1. Wi-fi still not working

After patching, if your Wi-Fi it still not working. Follow the steps-

• Download and extract this file.

• Go to Payloads folder and select patch-kexts.sh file and drag it on your terminal. It will help you fix the wi-fi issue.

2. Big Sur is very slow. How to speed up macOS Big Sur.

We have been testing macOS Big Sur for a while now. Over time, you tend to see a decreased speed of your macOS Big Sur. So, we personally tested these 7 methods to Speed Up macOS Big Sur. Read this guide- How to Speed Up macOS Big Sur? 7 Easy Methods.

Install Os X Lion On Unsupported Mac

If you are using macOS Catalina you can read this guide: How to Speed Up macOS Catalina? 7 Easy Methods

3. I’m not happy with Big Sur and want to roll-back.

There are several issues with Big Sur, so you might want to roll back to the older version. Here is a complete guide that can help- How to rollback from the macOS Big Sur on Mojave? 5 Steps Steps

Some other guides that might help-

How to manage widgets on macOS Big Sur?
Best Widgets for macOS Big Sur: Top 20 for Everyday Use
How to Convert macOS Big Sur Installer to ISO: 4 Step Easy Guide
How To Create macOS Big Sur Bootable USB on Windows: 4 Easy Steps (+Video Tutorial)
How to Fix macOS Big Sur Screen Resolution on VirtualBox: 5 Step Guide
How to Install macOS Big Sur on VMware on Windows? 8 Step Guide
How to Install macOS Big Sur on VirtualBox on Windows? 8 Step Guide
How to Create macOS Big Sur Bootable Installer for Clean Installation: 2 Easy Steps (MAC only)

Conclusion: Install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac

I hope this guide on how to Install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac was useful for you. You can simply Install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Mac by using the macOS Big Sur Patch file. I have shared all the download links above. If you are still facing any issues, you can comment down your query.

• Using APFS is REQUIRED in Mojave in order to receive system updates via the normal Software Update method. If you choose to continue using macOS Extended (Journaled) as your filesystem type, you will NOT receive System Updates via System Preferences. If you are not using APFS, you can follow the 10.14.1 installation steps below.


• After applying ANY system update via Software Update, re-applying post-install patches using your Mojave Patcher installer volume will most likely be necessary. If you install a software update and the system fails to boot afterwards, this is what needs to be done.

10.14.6 can be updated normally via Software Update if using an APFS volume, and will need to be patched using an installer volume created with Mojave Patcher version 1.3.2 or later after installing.

Install Osx On Unsupported Mac

10.14.5 can be updated normally via Software Update if using an APFS volume, and will need to be patched using an installer volume created with Mojave Patcher version 1.3.1 or later after installing.

10.14.4 adds new changes that ARE NOT patchable by the post-install tool of Mojave Patcher v1.2.3 and older! Before updating to 10.14.4, you you will need to use the latest Mojave Patcher version to create a new installer volume, using the 10.14.4 installer app. Then, update to 10.14.4, either by installing via Software Update, or by just using the installer volume you've created to install.

Install Os X Mountain Lion On Old Unsupported Macs

Upgrade Unsupported Mac

If you are currently running 10.14.1 or 10.14.2, you can simply use the Software Update pane of System Preferences (if using APFS) to apply the 10.14.3 update. Once the update is installed, you will most likely need to re-apply post-install patches to get the system to boot again. This process is detailed in steps 8 - 10 above. If you are currently running 10.14.0, you'll need to proceed with the 10.14.1 update method described below.

Install Mountain Lion On Unsupported Mac

If you are currently running 10.14.1, you can simply use the Software Update pane of System Preferences (if using APFS) to apply the 10.14.2 update. Once the update is installed, you will most likely need to re-apply post-install patches to get the system to boot again. This process is detailed in steps 8 - 10 above. If you are currently running 10.14.0, or are using a non-AFPS volume, you'll need to proceed with the 10.14.1 update method described below.

The Mojave 10.14.1 update does NOT install properly on unsupported machines, and could result in an unbootable OS. If you want to install the 10.14.1 update (and are not currently running 10.14.1), perform the following steps:
• Download the latest version of Mojave Patcher
• Download the installer using the Tools menu of Mojave Patcher
• Create a patched USB installer
• Boot from that, and install 10.14.1 onto the volume containing an older release.
• Once done, apply the post-install patches, and you should now be on 10.14.1.

Install Mojave On Unsupported Mac