Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUsually, no. A standard macOS upgrade through Software Update is intended to keep your files, apps, and settings; it is not the same as erasing your Mac’s startup disk. Apple says upgrade data is transferred and checked, but no installation method can guarantee every app will remain compatible or every preference will be unchanged. Back up before you install.
What a normal macOS upgrade keeps
Software Update is Apple’s usual way to install macOS updates and upgrades offered for your Mac. Apple says it displays software compatible with that Mac. During an upgrade, files and data are transferred and checked; files that cannot be moved to their new locations may instead be placed in Relocated Items.
Apple’s guidance supports the expectation that a standard upgrade preserves personal data. It does not promise that every third-party app will work with the new macOS, or that every setting will be untouched in every situation. An app that stops opening after an upgrade may have a compatibility problem rather than having been deleted.
See Apple’s How to download and install macOS for compatible installation routes and guidance on Relocated Items after upgrading.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Upgrade, reinstall, and erase are different actions
| Action | Expected data impact | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade through Software Update | Your files and data are expected to remain. | Software Update offers macOS versions compatible with the Mac. Some files that cannot be moved may be placed in Relocated Items. |
| Reinstall macOS from Recovery without erasing | Apple says this does not remove apps or personal data. | Choose the current macOS disk when prompted. The Mac may restart more than once during installation. Apple still recommends backing up first. |
| Erase the startup disk, then reinstall | Files and folders on the erased disk, user accounts, and network settings are deleted. | This is a separate, destructive workflow—not a normal upgrade. Do it only if you intend to wipe the disk and have a verified backup. |
Apple explains the non-erasing reinstall and backup advice in How to reinstall macOS. For Recovery and restoring from a Time Machine backup on Apple silicon, see Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon.
Back up before you install
Make a current backup before a major upgrade. Apple recommends backing up even before its non-erasing Recovery reinstall, and a backup gives you a recovery route if something goes wrong. Time Machine is Apple’s built-in backup option; an external drive is one possible destination, but choose one suitable for your Mac and backup needs.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Connect or otherwise prepare the destination you use for your backup.
- Use Time Machine or your chosen backup method to make a backup of the Mac.
- Check that the backup completed and that you can access it before starting the installation.
- Open the Software Update controls and install the compatible macOS version offered for your Mac. Do not choose an erase option unless wiping the startup disk is your intention.
If files seem missing after the upgrade
Check the desktop for an alias to Relocated Items. If it is not there, look in Users/Shared/Relocated Items and open the PDF inside; Apple says the folder can contain files that could not be moved to their new locations. The presence of this folder does not by itself mean that all of your data was deleted.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If an app or setting seems different
- An app is present but will not open: Check whether its developer supports the macOS version you installed. Data preservation and app compatibility are separate questions.
- A preference changed: Review the relevant app or macOS setting rather than assuming the upgrade erased the Mac. Apple’s non-erasing Recovery guidance says user settings remain, but that is not an absolute guarantee for every upgrade scenario.
- Files are not where expected: Check Relocated Items, then use your backup if the files remain missing.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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