Updating the OS on a backup

[mmurray]

Hi Dave

Is there any problem caused if, instead of "Erase, then copy", I boot from the backup and do a System Update ? I've got a fast external SSD so I'm thinking this might turn out to be faster.

Thanks Michael

[dnanian]

I don't understand how this could possibly work? The Smart Update won't update the OS on Big Sur and later.

[mmurray]

I would boot my laptop from the backup SSD so the system the laptop is using is the one from there. Then I'd do the usual system update. At that point SD is not involved. I was just wondering if when I went back and tried to Smart Update to that backup SSD there would be some problem ?

[dnanian]

It's possible that updating the OS on the backup using the regular update mechanism might work, yes, but it's also possible it wouldn't. You'd have to try it, but make sure you have other options available just in case.

[mmurray]

Great. Thanks. I'll proceed with caution.

Michael