Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBack up your Mac to a separate destination and wait for the first backup to finish before installing macOS with OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP). For most people, Time Machine is the simplest option. OCLP explicitly advises backing up first, and warns that macOS does not support a direct downgrade: reverting means wiping the disk. OCLP FAQ.
What to prepare before installing OCLP
- Confirm compatibility: Check that your Intel-based Mac appears on OCLP’s Supported Models list. OCLP does not support PowerPC or Apple silicon Macs.
- Choose a separate backup destination: Use an external disk or a supported network destination rather than the Mac’s internal disk. Apple supports directly connected external storage, a Mac shared as a network backup destination, and compatible NAS devices. See Apple’s Time Machine guide.
- Keep installer media separate: The USB drive used to create the OCLP macOS installer is not your Time Machine backup disk. OCLP recommends a 32 GB USB drive; later Sonoma and Sequoia installers with patches may not fit on 16 GB. Creating the installer formats the selected USB drive. Details: OCLP’s installer guide.
Back up with Time Machine
- Connect the external backup disk, or ensure your chosen network destination is available.
- Open System Settings > General > Time Machine, choose Add Backup Disk, select the intended destination, and follow the prompts.
- Read any erase warning carefully. Setting up the selected disk may erase it, so make sure it does not contain files you need to keep.
- For capacity, Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Its example is a 2 TB disk for a Mac with 1 TB of storage. See Apple’s backup recommendations.
- If you enable encryption, save the password somewhere secure. You will need it to restore from the encrypted backup.
- Wait until the initial backup finishes before starting the macOS installation. Apple notes that the first backup can take longer than later incremental backups.
Time Machine saves user data such as apps, music, photos, and documents; it is not a macOS installer or a complete system image. It does not back up system files or apps installed as part of macOS installation. Apple also says a backup made on macOS 12 or later can only be restored to macOS 11 or later. See Apple’s guide to Time Machine.
After verifying that Time Machine reports a completed backup, keep the destination available for recovery and protected from accidental selection during installation. Disconnecting it is a practical precaution, not an OCLP requirement.
What to expect from the OCLP upgrade process
For a major macOS upgrade, OCLP’s documented sequence is to update the OCLP app, rebuild OpenCore to the internal disk, create a macOS installer USB, boot the installer through OpenCore, install macOS, and reinstall root patches afterward. macOS updates can remove root patches, so they may need to be reapplied. Follow the current OCLP updating guide for the version you are installing.
#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.
Take particular care at the disk-selection stage: OCLP says not to use Disk Utility if your intention is to keep the disk intact. Its guide states, “Start macOS installation and follow the process, do not use Disk Utility if you don’t want to wipe your disk.” A completed backup is essential even when you intend to preserve your existing files.
Restoring a Time Machine backup on an OCLP Mac
Restoring can be more involved when root patches are installed. OCLP documents two approaches: a partial restore that may bring back the user profile, applications, and settings but can omit folders beyond common profile folders; and a full restore that delays migration until after reverting root patches. In the full method, you reach the desktop without restoring during Setup Assistant, revert root patches, restart, use Migration Assistant, then reinstall root patches. While patches are reverted, the Mac may be slow or have limited Wi-Fi and display functionality.
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.
OCLP also warns that Time Machine restoration on macOS Sequoia may fail even after root patches are removed. Its documented workaround is to restore on an older macOS version and then upgrade to Sequoia. These procedures are version-sensitive; consult the live OCLP Time Machine restoration guide before restoring.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Time Machine or another backup method?
OCLP names Time Machine, ASR, or another backup solution as acceptable ways to protect your data, but its documentation does not compare them. Time Machine is a straightforward default if you want a built-in tool and have a suitable destination. Choose a local external disk when you want a direct connection; a supported NAS or Mac network destination can suit a setup where network access is dependable.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Quick 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.
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.
