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
: A critical first step is defining how the server is identified on your local network and the internet. macOS Server 5.12
Once installed, the setup process configures the server identity and core network settings: To prepare for and use , you must
: Create a full backup or a bootable clone of your current server installation, including the Open Directory if applicable. Once installed, the setup process configures the server
Many features originally found in macOS Server are now native to macOS Monterey and do not require the Server app: MacOS Server 5 Part 1: Server Upgrade