macOS Big Sur Support at ODU
UPDATE | MARCH 2021
We have sufficiently tested all critical software with macOS Big Sur and feel confident fully supporting the latest operating system on all ODU-managed Macs. You can manage this update on your own, any time that is convenient to you:
- Open the App Store, search for macOS Big Sur, and click Get.
- Once the download is complete, launch Self Service from your Applications folder.
- Save and close any documents you have open.
- Search for or browse to the tile named Big Sur Prerequisite and click Install.
- The computer will reboot and the update will begin.
Keep in mind: The installation process can take up to an hour.
Remember: Before any upgrade, it is a good idea to store important files in OneDrive. (Always check the regulated data matrix before using cloud storage.) And if you have any issues with the upgrade, contact the ITS Help Desk.
Apple recently released their latest major operating system upgrade, macOS Big Sur. Please do not update your Mac to Big Sur until we have time to evaluate its compatibility with ODU software, network and server infrastructure.
We will likely be ready to release Big Sur to ODU-managed machines by early January. If you decide to install Big Sur on your home computers, please understand that you may encounter difficulties using essential applications/services. It might be best to wait until the applications/services you use regularly are listed as "supported" in the table below. Those currently listed are a priority and more will be added as we are able to test them.
ITS works hard to ensure that Old Dominion University has a secure and reliable IT infrastructure. We must thoroughly test both Big Sur and our own technology before we can guarantee compatibility. We will update this page as more licensed software and University hardware are updated to fully support Big Sur.
Application/Service Support
Software support was tested on hardware with the Intel CPU. Mac devices with the new Apple M1 chip have not been verified yet.
| Application | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CrowdStrike | Supported | |
| Zoom | Supported* | *Zoom v5.2.0+ will work with Big Sur. |
| AlertUS | Supported* | *Alertus v2.11.03+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Endnote X9 | Supported* | *Endnote v9.3.3+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Office 2016 | Not supported | |
| Office 11 | Not supported | |
| Office 2019/365 | Supported* | *Office v16.43+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Nvivo | Supported* | *Nvivo v12.6+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Vmware Horizon | Supported* | *Vmware Horizon v5.4.2+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Crestron AirMedia Desktop Client | Supported* | *Crestron AirMedia v3.2.1+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Adobe Acrobat DC | Supported | |
| Photoshop | Known Issues | |
| Lightroom | Supported* | *Lightroom v4.x will work with Big Sur. |
| Respondus Lockdown Browser | Supported | |
| Mathematica | Supported* | *Mathematica v12.1+ will work with Big Sur. |
| SPSS | Supported* | *SPSS v27+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Palo Alto GlobalProtect VPN | Supported* | *GlobalProtect v5.2.3+ will work with Big Sur. |
| Any 32 bit software | Unsupported | As of Catalina, 32-bit apps are no longer compatible with macOS. Check with the developer for a 64-bit version. |