Supported OS
macOS 13 Ventura (latest release) is the currently supported operating system for school district Macbooks.
It's important your Mac stay updated to the latest operating system supported by the district.
- Software compatibility. Ensure all software used for class works as expected.
- Security. Apple constantly releases new security patches to keep you safe.
- Features. Each OS release offers new features and performance improvements.
Installation requirements:
- At least 26 GB disk space free.
- Mac plugged into power.
- All applications closed.
The upgrade will take about 1-2 hours to complete. During this time you will not be able to use your Mac. If the install fails at any point, restart your Mac and try to upgrade again from Self Service.
Upgrading at Home
The macOS Ventura installer is about 12 GB. Note if your home Internet plan has a data cap or bandwidth limits it may be difficult to to upgrade.
You will possibly need to free up disk space in order to complete the upgrade. Common places to delete files from include...
- Applications. Large unused Applications like iMovie, GarageBand, Keynote, Pages, Numbers, etc. Note: most users do not have permissions to remove Applications themselves. Open a help desk ticket by emailing helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us.
- User home folder. Desktop, Documents, Downloads. Delete files or move to Google Drive.
- Other application support and cache folders. Primarily ~/Library/Application Support for apps which are no longer installed.
If you have any concerns about being able to upgrade from home or freeing up disk space please open a help desk ticket by emailing helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us
Follow the directions below to complete the upgrade.
1. Open Self Service and sign in with your school credentials.
2. Before continuing make sure your Mac meets the installation requirements:
- Ensure all work is saved and apps have been completely closed.
- Be sure your Mac is plugged into power.
- Mac has at least 26 GB disk space free.
Freeing up disk space
One common barrier for installing MacBook updates is a lack of space. This is especially true on older devices. To help with this, we have increased our options in Self Service for uninstalling larger programs. Once an update is completed, you can reinstall these programs.
Uninstallers are available for:
- Garageband
- iMovie
- Microsoft Office Applications (all except Outlook)
If you need assistance freeing up additional disk space please contact the help desk (helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us).
3. Search for Ventura in the search bar and select Upgrade to macOS Ventura.
4. Depending on what version of macOS you are on right now, one of two things will happen.
System Preferences opens
If System Preferences opens, click Upgrade Now by macOS Ventura 13.x and the upgrade will download and install like a normal update. Your username and password may still be required, but any staff/student should be able to install the upgrade.
Once done preparing, the Macbook will restart and macOS Ventura will be installed.
**Depending on the version of macOS you are on, it may incorrectly say it needs an administrator account, like this:
This may just be a bug with incorrect wording. Put in your username and password and it may continue to install. If that doesn't work, see below.
If you run into any issues, please contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us or by calling 952-496-5100.
macOS Upgrade pop-up
1. On newer model Macs you may be prompted to enter your password. This is a requirement and must be the same password you use to log into your Mac.
2. The macOS Ventura installer will be downloaded. This file is about 12 GB and usually takes between 20-45 minutes to download. If you are on a slower wireless connection it may take longer.
3. If your Mac does not meet the upgrade requirements you will see an error message. Make sure your Mac is plugged into power and has at least 26 GB of disk space free. If you receive an error message multiple times in a row, restart your Mac and try to upgrade again.
For additional help please contact the help desk (helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us).
4. Once the installer successfully downloads it will prepare your Mac to upgrade and automatically reboot to complete the install process.
5. The actual install takes about an hour. Once completed your Mac will boot up and you can log in again. There may be an additional 10-15 minutes of additional install time after the first login.
6. If you run into any issues, please contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us or by calling 952-496-5100.