: Temporarily turn off any anti-virus/malware software and third-party disk encryption to prevent interference during installation.
: Ensure your Mac is updated to macOS 12 Monterey .
: A critical first step is defining how the server is identified on your local network and the internet. macOS Server 5.12
: After the upgrade, services may take a few moments to load; you must manually start each required service.
: Create a full backup or a bootable clone of your current server installation, including the Open Directory if applicable. : Temporarily turn off any anti-virus/malware software and
To prepare for and use , you must be running macOS 12 Monterey , as earlier versions of the Server app are incompatible with this operating system. Since Apple discontinued macOS Server on April 21, 2022, version 5.12.2 is the final release, and many of its original functions have been migrated directly into macOS system settings. Pre-Installation Checklist
: The system will automatically prepare a certificate identity to secure communications with managed devices. Migrating Key Services : After the upgrade, services may take a
: The macOS Server 5.12 installation requires approximately 250MB of space, while the Monterey OS installation itself needs about 26GB . Initial Setup and Configuration