Upgrading IT-Managed Apple Mac Devices to macOS 26 Tahoe

Tags Mac macos tahoe

To keep UNLV and NSHE devices secure and compliant, managed Mac computers must be upgraded to macOS Tahoe. This article explains what to expect during the required upgrade process.

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Before You Begin

Before starting the upgrade:

  • Save and close any open work.
  • Connect your Mac to a power source.
  • Make sure you know your local Mac password, as you will need it to begin the installation.
  • Plan for your computer to restart during the upgrade.

Step 1: Upgrade Notification

You'll receive a weekly notification that your Mac must be upgraded to macOS Tahoe.

macOS upgrade prompt informing the user that upgrading to macOS Tahoe is required, with Allow and Defer options.

You can:

  • Upgrade Now to begin the process.
  • Defer the upgrade up to three times if you need to postpone it.

After each deferment, the notification will indicate how many deferments remain.

Step 2: Required Upgrade

Once all deferments have been used, you'll receive a notification that the upgrade is about to begin. At this point, the upgrade cannot be canceled or deferred.

Click Continue to proceed.

macOS upgrade prompt informing the user that the installation must be completed, with Continue button to proceed.

Step 3: Authenticate

You'll be prompted to enter your local Mac password.

  • Administrator access is not required.
  • If the password is entered incorrectly, you'll be prompted to try again.
  • The installer cannot continue until the correct password is entered.

Step 4: Prepare for the Upgrade

Before the installation begins, you'll receive a reminder to:

  1. Connect your Mac to power.
  2. Save any remaining work.
  3. Expect your Mac to restart automatically when the installation is complete.

Click Begin Upgrade to start the installation.

Step 5: Installation

The macOS installer will run automatically in the background.

During this time:

  • The installation may take some time to complete.
  • Your computer will restart automatically when finished.

macOS installer window showing the macOS Tahoe upgrade installing in the background with a progress bar.

After the Upgrade

After installation completes:

  1. Your Mac will restart automatically.
  2. You'll return to the login screen.
  3. You may be asked to sign in twice while macOS completes the upgrade process.

The updated macOS Tahoe log in screen will appear after the upgrade.

Screenshot of macOS Tahoe Background

 

Self-Install Using UNLV Self Service application.

If you have dismissed the upgrade notification, follow these steps to start the upgrade process.

  1. Locate the Upgrade to macOS Tahoe option and select Upgrade.

    UNLV Self Service application home screen highlighting the Upgrade to macOS Tahoe option.
     
  2. The macOS Tahoe installer screen will appear. Please click Continue to begin.

    macOS Tahoe installer splash screen showing the macOS Tahoe logo and a blue Continue button.
     
  3. After beginning the installation, Agree on any Terms of Service prompts.
     
  4. Select the hard drive to install the macOS Tahoe upgrade (most users will only see one drive available).
     
  5. Select Continue to move on to the next step. 
     
  6. Enter your local Mac profile username and password to continue (you do not need to turn on MakeMeAdmin for this step). Click on Unlock to start the upgrade process.

    System credential prompt window requesting administrator login credentials with an Unlock button.
     
  7. The upgrade process will begin. This may take up to 30 minutes or longer, depending on the speed of your device. The initial estimate may decrease quickly once the installation is started. 
     
  8. When the upgrade is complete, you will need to Restart your device.

Once your device restarts, you will now be in the macOS Tahoe environment.

Get Help

If you need additional assistance, please contact the IT Help Desk.

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