Help Desk

Upgrading to macOS Tahoe

December 2025 Update: After internal testing by IT, we are now generally recommending macOS Tahoe (version 26) for the Reed community. Consult our software compatibility list below to learn more. To remain secure, Mac computers need to be running macOS Tahoe,  Sequoia (version 15) or Sonoma (version 14). If your computer is running macOS Ventura (13) or older, it is no longer supported and must be upgraded.

• Who should upgrade?
  • Supported operating systems
  • Tahoe software compatibility
  • Tahoe changes
• Pre-upgrade Checklist
• Upgrade Expectations
• How Do I Upgrade?
• Upgrading Will Not Fix Existing Problems

Who should upgrade?

MacOS Tahoe (26) is generally recommended at this time. IT staff have tested and confirmed the most commonly used software is compatible with Reed's environment (i.e., Microsoft Office, Zoom, Papercut printing software, Microsoft Remote Desktop, GlobalProtect VPN, Crashplan backups).  If you use any Adobe software, consult their website for known compatiblity issues beforehand. If you rely on specific software not listed above, please check the Roaring Apps website for software compatibility before upgrading.

Refer to the list of supported Mac operating systems below. If your computer is running Ventura (13) or below, your computer is no longer receiving security updates by Apple and must be upgraded. To find out your version, go to the Apple menu > About This Mac.

Note: Wondering about the difference between the terms "update" and "upgrade"? Not sure what your current operating system version is? Visit Reed's supported operating systems page for details.

Tahoe Software Compatibility

Most commonly used applications at Reed are compatible with Tahoe*:

• Web browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and others)
• Microsoft Office
• Windows App (formerly called Microsoft Remote Desktop/MRD)
• Zoom
• GlobalProtect VPN
• CrashPlan backups
• Papercut printing client
• ScanSnap scanning software

*If you rely on specific software not listed above, please check the Roaring Apps website for software compatibility. If you use any Adobe apps, please refer to Adobe's compatibility webpage for a list of known issues.

Tahoe Changes

• "Widgets" are installed by default on the Desktop. To disable them, go to System Settings > Desktop and Dock. Under the "Widgets" section, uncheck Show Widgets "On Desktop"
• Learn more about the new design and feature changes on Apple's website, https://www.apple.com/os/macos/

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

• Are your backups in a good state? If you’re unsure, please ask CUS for help. Employees can check Crashplan on Reed computers.
• Do you have at least 40GB of free space on your hard drive? If not, do not upgrade, as the upgrade may not complete and data loss may occur. Free up space, or talk with IT first.
• Do you use specialty software that may not have been updated to work with the new OS? Check compatibility at the Roaring Apps website. If you're unsure, ask IT before upgrading!
• Are you able to take a break from your computer for about an hour after initiating the upgrade?

Upgrade Expectations

For most users the upgrade could take around an hour, but in some circumstances it can take longer. During the upgrade a black screen might appear for several minutes at a time. Don’t panic! It is important that you do not interrupt the upgrade process once it has begun.

We recommend kicking off the upgrade, then checking back regularly to step through any prompts that have popped up.

Apple may present you with numerous security prompts as you begin working in the upgraded OS. Most prompts require interaction, but will be displayed only one time.

I’m Ready, How Do I Upgrade?

To upgrade, go to the Apple menu > System Settings/Preferences > Software Update. Alternatively, open the App Store from your Applications folder. Search for "macOS Tahoe", and follow the on screen prompts to download and begin the upgrade. Please note it may take up to half an hour for the installer to download. Once the download is complete, continue to follow the on screen prompts to step through the installation.

Upgrading Will Not Fix Existing Problems

Upgrading the OS on an already misbehaving computer (slow to start, spinning beachball, etc.) can actually make matters worse. Contact CUS about any issues before performing an OS upgrade.