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Back up your Mac before installing macOS 27 Golden Gate. For most people, Apple’s built-in Time Machine is the practical choice: it automatically backs up files to an external drive or supported network destination, and can help recover older or deleted files. Wait until a recent backup is complete before starting the upgrade.
Should you back up your Mac before installing macOS 27?
Yes. Apple Support recommends backing up files before installing any macOS upgrade. A backup gives you another copy of your files if something goes wrong or you later need an earlier version of a file. It does not guarantee an upgrade will succeed, but it reduces the risk of losing data.
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First confirm that your Mac is compatible. Apple says macOS 27 supports Macs with Apple silicon; check Apple’s macOS 27 compatibility list for your specific model. When you use Software Update, it offers only updates compatible with your Mac. Apple’s upgrade instructions are at How to upgrade to macOS 27 Golden Gate.
How do you make a Time Machine backup?
Time Machine is built into macOS and can automatically back up apps, music, photos, email, and documents to an external storage device. Apple describes a directly connected drive as the most common setup; USB-C and Thunderbolt are examples of compatible Mac ports. Choose an external drive intended for backup, connect it to the Mac, and follow Apple’s current setup instructions in How to back up your Mac.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
- Choose a destination. Connect an external storage device, or use a supported network destination as described below.
- Set it up in Time Machine. Open the Mac’s Time Machine settings and select the destination. Follow the on-screen prompts and Apple’s linked setup instructions; labels can vary by macOS version.
- Let the backup complete. Keep the destination available while Time Machine runs. Do not start the upgrade while the backup is still in progress.
- Check the latest backup. In Time Machine settings, confirm that the selected destination shows a recent completed backup before proceeding to Software Update.
Apple’s guidance does not establish a universal minimum drive capacity or a typical backup duration, so allow enough time and storage for your own files rather than relying on a fixed estimate. For a directly connected setup, an external storage drive is the relevant hardware category; Apple lists USB-C and Thunderbolt as connection examples.
Can you use a network drive for Time Machine?
Yes, if the destination is supported. Apple lists another Mac shared as a backup destination and NAS devices that support Time Machine over SMB. Check the destination maker’s instructions to confirm that the device supports Time Machine over SMB, then configure it using Apple’s backup setup guide.
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
For macOS 27 and later, Apple says AFP backup or data transfer to or from NAS devices is not supported. AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme destinations use AFP and are no longer recommended, so do not choose one as a new backup setup for this upgrade.
What if you do not have a Time Machine destination?
Other approaches can protect selected data, but they do not all provide the same scope or restore process as a Time Machine backup.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
| Method | What it covers | Destination and consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Time Machine | Automatically backs up files, including apps, music, photos, email, and documents; can recover older or deleted files. | External storage, a shared Mac, or a compatible SMB-capable NAS. |
| iCloud | Only data and folders you have configured to sync or store. | Cloud storage uses the available space in your iCloud plan. Apple advises keeping extra copies or archives of data stored in iCloud. |
| Manual file copy | Only the files and folders you select. | Copy them to external storage. Restoring requires copying the files back yourself. |
| Third-party backup utility | Varies by tool and its settings. | Follow the vendor’s documentation for what is backed up, where it is stored, and how to restore it. |
iCloud syncing alone should not be treated as a complete, restorable system backup: its coverage depends on what you enabled. If you use a manual copy, identify the files you cannot afford to lose and verify they are present on the destination before upgrading. Apple’s overview of backup choices and setup is available at How to back up your Mac.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #4
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
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