GUIDE How to Upgrade to macOS Sequoia on PC [Intel/AMD]

How to Upgrade to macOS Sequoia on PC [Intel/AMD]​

This guide describes how to upgrade directly to macOS Sequoia on Intel or AMD PC using Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to upgrade an existing system running any macOS version provided that the hardware you have is compatible with macOS Sequoia.

Overview​

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Apple announced its new macOS version i.e. macOS Sequoia (14.0) at WWDC23, which is the next major revision to its Operating System in the Macintosh lineup. As usual, a Developer Preview version will be available immediately for Developers who are enrolled in the developer program, and a Public Beta which is expected in July, coming this fall.

Although, macOS Sequoia is still in the beta phase, existing users running macOS Ventura or prior who wish to update their systems directly to macOS can upgrade now. Please be advised that due to being in the beta phase, it may contain several bugs and that is why it is not recommended to use it as a daily driver. This method does not involve bootable USB creation or such preparation and allows you to preserve your files along with the system settings.

If you plan to perform a clean installation, follow the guide linked below

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Before you proceed with an upgrade, we suggest you to check the hardware compatibility of your system.

Hardware Compatibility

Hardware Discussion and Compatibility

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Requirements

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Following are the requirements for upgrading your system to macOS Sequoia. Please ensure you meet the requirements before proceeding with this guide.

• A system running any existing version of macOS.
• A working Internet connection.
• At least 50GB of free storage space on the boot drive.

NOTE:

• If you're running OS X Mountain Lion, you must upgrade your Mac to OS X El Capitan first and then try upgrading to macOS Sequoia.

STEP 1: Back up your System

Before you proceed with an upgrade, we strongly recommend performing a full backup of your existing installation using Carbon Copy Cloner or Time Machine, or any other reliable backup/restore tool. In case the upgrade fails or you encounter any issues with the upgrade, you can always roll back to your existing installation.

STEP 2: Update Bootloader

Whether you're running Clover or OpenCore, you must update your existing bootloader to the latest possible version. Please note that as this is a new macOS version, the existing bootloader may not work properly, therefore you must use the latest commits of Clover or OpenCore for a hassle-free upgrade experience. If you're using Clover, you must update it to (5152) or later, and if you're using OpenCore, you must update it to (v0.9.3) or later. If you have used Xcode and know how to build kexts from source, build from the latest commit. Users who are new to Xcode can find the pre-built version of OpenCore in the attachment. This is mandatory for the smooth upgrade ensuring the update doesn't break the system and enter into a loop state or result in an unbootable system.

STEP 3: Update Kexts

Unlike the bootloader, you must update the kexts too. The essential kexts are Lilu, VirtualSMC, WhateverGreen, and AppleALC. If you're using some other kext and an update is available, you should update that too. If you have used Xcode and know how to build kexts from source, build from the latest commit. Users who are new to Xcode can find the pre-built version of the essential kexts in the attachment. This is mandatory for the smooth upgrade ensuring the update doesn't break the system and enter into a loop state or result in an unbootable system.

STEP 4: Update Kernel Patches

If you're using an AMD System, you'll also need to update the Kernel Patches. Do not use these Kernel Patches if you're using an Intel based CPU.

STEP 5: Update SMBIOS
With the release of macOS Sequoia, Apple has again dropped support for their obsolete Mac models (up to Skylake) and therefore you'll need to update the SMBIOS data to 2018 and later. To update the SMBIOS data, follow the guide linked below.

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STEP 6: Reboot System
After performing all the above steps, restart your system for the applied changes to take effect. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.

STEP 7: Download macOS Sequoia

As macOS Sequoia is not officially released for the general public, but only for developers, you would need an Apple Developer Account along with the Software Enrollment to download a copy of macOS Sequoia. However, if you've not enrolled, you can download an official copy of macOS Sequoia directly from Apple Server using the guide linked below.

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STEP 8: Upgrade to macOS Sequoia

Once you have everything set, the next step is to proceed with the upgrade. To upgrade to macOS Sequoia on your PC, follow the steps below.

1. From the Applications folder, right-click on Install macOS Sequoia beta.app and click on Open.
2. Click on Continue and then continue with the options as shown below.

When the installer prompts for access, enter your password and click on Unlock to allow access.
View attachment 6202
Now, macOS Sequoia will begin installing to your selected disk.

3. Once the first phase completes, the installer will prompt you for restarting your PC and your PC will restart automatically.

Here it ends the first phase of the installation. After restarting, it will continue the installation

Your PC will restart again and when your PC restarts, it will automatically boot from macOS Installer to continue the next phase of the installation. If for any reason, the installer does not auto boot, select macOS Installer in the boot picker and then boot. The installation will continue. If you choose to boot from Macintosh HD or (your drive name), the system will boot back to your previous installation without upgrading to macOS Sequoia.

View attachment 6247

View attachment 6248


Once again, your Mac will restart. Upon restarting, it will automatically boot from Macintosh HD to continue the next phase of the installation. At this point, the macOS Installer entry should not be present any longer. Upon completion, your PC will automatically restart. You'll see something as shown below.

View attachment 6249

View attachment 6250


Once again, your PC will restart, and when your PC restarts, it will automatically boot from Macintosh HD to continue the last phase of the installation. You'll see something as shown below.

View attachment 6251

View attachment 6252

View attachment 6253


View attachment 6254

View attachment 6255

After this process, your PC will complete the upgrade process and you'll be asked to enter your password to login into macOS Sequoia.

View attachment 6256

4. Enter your password and you have successfully upgraded to macOS Sequoia on your PC.


STEP 9: Complete Setup
When prompted for setting up a few newer options, set it up by following onscreen instructions.

View attachment 6257

Enjoy macOS Sequoia on your PC


Let us know your upgrade experience with macOS Sequoia. Please post all your support related questions in the Support forum sections.

 

[cantstopttherock]

Ah, it looks like the problem is the Display Port that's not working after the upgrade,
when i use HDMI, i'm not seeing the OpenCore bootloader, but once it's automatically bootet up i get a signal.

 

[EliteMacx86]

Hi,
i posted sth here, but found the solution in the meantime. couldn't figure out how to delete this post

What was the issue?

 

[EliteMacx86]

Ah, it looks like the problem is the Display Port that's not working after the upgrade,
when i use HDMI, i'm not seeing the OpenCore bootloader, but once it's automatically bootet up i get a signal.

Oh yeah, its a common issue with the upgrade. Did indicate in one of the thread. You gotta check the connector info and then patch the framebuffer!

Regarding the HDMI not seeing the OC picker, you need an active HDMI cable.

 

[cantstopttherock]

Oh yeah, its a common issue with the upgrade. Did indicate in one of the thread. You gotta check the connector info and then patch the framebuffer!

Regarding the HDMI not seeing the OC picker, you need an active HDMI cable.

Yeah so honestly the main issue was, that i -like an idiot- just upgraded from ventura to sequoia without reading anything about it first and then of course ran into a plethora of issues. so lesson learned. Also i jumped to ask in this forum way before i should've dug into and done some research myself, so that's why i wanted to delete my post later in shame

i finally got everything working, the only thing that's not working is my broadcom wifi card, because when i follow the instructions even with the debug it's not generating a DMAR-1.aml file. i've gone ahead and made the changes assuming i don't have Reserved Memory Regions but it didn't work.

doesn't really matter that much as i just use a LAN cable for network.
Also i sometimes get some weird flickering and horizontal artifacts bars on my screen, but its very intermittend and might be an issue with the display port cable or connector on my screen. so all in all i think i'm good now. thanks for asking though

 

[EliteMacx86]

Yeah so honestly the main issue was, that i -like an idiot- just upgraded from ventura to sequoia without reading anything about it first and then of course ran into a plethora of issues. so lesson learned.

Happens. Sometimes, you have to go through the shit to learn the lesson, hard way. xD

Also i jumped to ask in this forum way before i should've dug into and done some research myself, so that's why i wanted to delete my post later in shame

i finally got everything working, the only thing that's not working is my broadcom wifi card, because when i follow the instructions even with the debug it's not generating a DMAR-1.aml file. i've gone ahead and made the changes assuming i don't have Reserved Memory Regions but it didn't work.

Not sure which guide says you need DMAR to have the WiFi/BT working. Could you link the source?

doesn't really matter that much as i just use a LAN cable for network.

Honestly, have never bothered much about the WiFi. Bluetooth is mandatory. Ethernet has the fastest speed and less latency. However, different people have different preferences

Also i sometimes get some weird flickering and horizontal artifacts bars on my screen, but its very intermittend and might be an issue with the display port cable or connector on my screen. so all in all i think i'm good now. thanks for asking though

Yes, check your cables and ports. Also, ensure that you're using the correct DP/HDMI version and have the correct refresh rate set, both on the monitor and within macOS.

 

[cantstopttherock]

Not sure which guide says you need DMAR to have the WiFi/BT working. Could you link the source?

It was in this Reddit Post

Then the part under 4.1: Patch DMAR

yeah i'm good with Ethernet. Back then i really just got the Broadcom Card for BT and Airdrop, but i can totally live without it. Less sometimes is more

 

[EliteMacx86]

It was in this Reddit Post

Then the part under 4.1: Patch DMAR

Normally, required for Ethernets, TB and FW mainly.

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yeah i'm good with Ethernet. Back then i really just got the Broadcom Card for BT and Airdrop, but i can totally live without it. Less sometimes is more

Indeed!