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How to install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Macs

The latest macOS update is here and Big Sur arrives with important news, however it has left several Mac models on the way. Can macOS Big Sur be installed on an unsupported Mac? Yes you can.

Apple will have its reasons and there multiple macOS Catalina-compatible Macs that don’t support Big Sur. However, there is a way to install macOS Big Sur on unsupported Macs, although it has its risks.

You should know that this is something you must do under your own responsibility, your Mac could not work properly and various issues have been found on many Macs not supported by Big Sur.

Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big?

This is the Official list of Mac compatible with Big Sur, all Macs from 2012 that were compatible with Catalina have been left out.

  • MacBook from 2015 onwards
  • MacBook Air 2013 onwards
  • MacBook Pro 2013 onwards

  • Mac mini 2014 onwards

  • iMac 2014 onwards
  • iMac Pro from 2017 onwards
  • Mac Pro from 2013 onwardsMac with Big Sur

How to install macOS Big on unsupported Macs

To install Big Sur on unsupported Mac we must follow a series of steps that are not easy, although they are available to any type of user.

First step: we partition the disk

To install macOS Big Sur on an unsupported Mac we must do it on a disk partition and from macOS Catalina. This way if something goes wrong, we can always continue using our Mac as if nothing else.

To make a partition follow these steps:

  • Click on the magnifying glass and look for the app Disk utility.
  • Up click on Create partition.
  • Choose the size of this partition, recommended at least 50 GB.
  • Make sure to choose the APFS format.
  • Click on Apply and OK.

Step two: download macOS Big Sur and the patch

Now you must download the macOS Big Sur installer, this installer can be downloaded from the Mac App Store, although if it does not appear on your Mac you will have to find it on the internet, this link could work.

Now you must download the patch that will allow us to install macOS Big Sur on our incompatible Mac. This patch has two files: Hax.dylib and InstallHax.m. Copy them to the Home or Library folder, in your username and in System.

Third step: Terminal

Now we must restart our Mac and apply a series of codes in Terminal. Follow these steps:

  • Restart the Mac and press Command + R to enter Recovery mode.

  • Now enter Terminal Utilities and we introduce this command: csrutil disable
  • Press Enter and now enter this other command: nvram boot-args = »- no_compat_check»
  • Restart the Mac to start normally.
  • Once the system has booted, enter Terminal, you can search for it if you can’t find it from the magnifying glass.
  • Enter this command and hit Enter: sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.security.libraryvalidation.plist DisableLibraryValidation -bool true
  • Now enter: launchctl setenv DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES $ PWD / Hax.dylib
  • Press Enter.

Step four: install macOS Big Sur

Now only the last step remains: install macOS Big Sur on your unsupported Mac. Just look for the file InstallAssistant.pkg that you downloaded. Open it and the macOS Big Sur installer will appear.

Select the disk partition to install the new system and the macOS Big Sur installation process will begin. If you encounter any issues, there is plenty of information on these forums about installing Big Sur on unsupported Macs.

What problems can there be from installing macOS Big on incompatible Macs?

Apple does not officially support these Macs in Big Sur, so problems may appear anywhere.

For example, it has been shown that on the following MacBooks Wi-Fi is not working, although there is a patch that seems to make it work.

  • MacBook Pro 2012 and Early 2013
  • 2012 MacBook Air
  • iMac 2012 and 2013
  • 2012 Mac mini

But the problems might not end here, there are components that may not work correctly, and on each Mac they may be different. So be very careful if you decide to take the step of installing Mac os Big Sur on unsupported Mac.

Know more : Should I update to Big Sur?

It is not something simple, but it is proven that macOS Big Sur can be installed on unsupported computers, however it is not a simple process or free from errors. But when performed on a partition, your Mac will always be safe.

Source : Techradar

By Billy Jones

an expert in Apple iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. With a deep understanding of Apple products, I have been assisting individuals and businesses in optimizing their Apple device experiences for years. Beyond my tech prowess, I am the proud founder of a Global (Expat) Online Gamers Advisory Firm, where I provide guidance and support to fellow gamers worldwide. As a long-time Playstation player, I am currently immersing myself in the world of gaming on the PS5. In addition to my tech and gaming passions, I am an IT professional, an armchair physicist, and a jester at heart, always ready to bring a smile to those around me.