The dark theme, dynamic wallpapers, the new Mac App Store, and tons of other tweaks are well worth the upgrade to macOS Mojave. Moreover, the update is free.
If the computer is not older than 2012 with a dozen free gigabytes of disk space, then there should be no problems. But it’s better to prepare your Mac in advance for the update: make a backup, check the disk for errors and clean your computer from software junk.
Which Macs support macOS Mojave
The main requirement for macOS Mojave is a graphics system that supports Apple’s Metal technology. All devices released after 2012 fit this criterion.
- iMac, 2012+;
- iMac Pro;
- MacBook 12;
- MacBook Pro, 2012+;
- MacBook Air, 2012+;
- Mac Mini, 2012+;
- Mac Pro, 2013+.
Make a backup
This way you protect yourself from accidentally deleting the information you need. And also protect against possible failures when moving to the new AFPS file system. This file system is mandatory for Mojave and the conversion will take place during the upgrade.
Time Machine is an easy and free way to make a backup.
For advanced users, I recommend Arq ($ 50), or disk cloning with Carbon Copy Cloner ($ 40). Personally, I use both apps.
Cleaning your computer with CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is a versatile utility for cleaning and keeping your Mac running.
To prepare to upgrade to macOS Mojave, do the following:
1. Remove debris with the Smart Scan function. The program will remove unnecessary language packs, logs, temporary files, remnants of uninstalled applications and other garbage. It will also check your computer for malware and keyloggers. This is especially true for those who do not hesitate to install hacked applications.
2. Now scan your Mac with the “Service Junk” module, and then click on the “Details” button. In the list that appears, CleanMyMac will show the application installation files in .dmg format. Delete anything you no longer need.
3. Go to the “Uninstaller” section and mark the removal of programs that you do not need. For this, the “Unused” tab is useful, which contains a list of applications that you have not launched for a long time.
4. In the “Update Manager” section, I recommend updating programs downloaded bypassing the Mac App Store. Many available updates add macOS Mojave compatibility.
five. In the “Optimization” section, you can check the list of applications in startup and remove unnecessary ones from there. This will free up space in the menu bar and your Mac will boot up faster.
6. In the Maintenance section, check your drive for errors, run the built-in macOS servicing scripts, and re-create the Launch Services databases.
To do this, select the items:
- Execute maintenance scripts;
- Recreate the startup services database;
- Correct access rights.
Use DaisyDisk to delete large files
DaisyDisk visualizes the contents of your disk in a diagram and allows you to see what is taking up a lot of space on the system.
READ ALSO: DaisyDisk Garbage Visualizer Review
I immediately found an unnecessary 6GB macOS Mojave Beta installer, several TV series, and a Linux install image. In total, without going deep into the analysis, I managed to clear another 9 GB. And this is on a relatively fresh computer, which is only a couple of months old.
Bonus: shrinking the “Photos” library and removing duplicates
If in DaisyDisk you find that your media library takes up a lot of space, then you can reduce it using the programs JPEGmini and Gemini. With these two utilities, I have reduced the size of my library by another 10 GB.
In conclusion
CleanMyMac X is a very expensive utility, even with the purchase of a 1 year license. If you’re not ready to spend $ 40 yet, but you need to clean your computer, get the CleanMyMac X version from Setapp, which has a 7-day trial.
If you don’t want to clean at all, then be sure to make a backup copy and check the disk for errors, correct access rights. This is a minimum task.
Well, the most radical way to upgrade to macOS Mojave is to rebuild the system. For this:
- Create a bootable macOS Mojave USB stick;
- and read my tips for reinstalling macOS.
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