A mid 2009 MacBook Pro can be upgraded from Yosemite to El Capitan. The mid 2009 MacBook Pro is compatible with El Capitan, which is the last version of macOS that this particular model supports.
To upgrade from Yosemite to El Capitan, you will first need to ensure that your MacBook Pro meets the system requirements for El Capitan. The minimum requirements for El Capitan are an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or later, at least 2GB of RAM, and at least 8.8GB of available storage space.
If your MacBook Pro meets these requirements, you can proceed with the upgrade process. Before upgrading, it is always a good idea to back up your important files and data. This can be done using Time Machine or any other backup method of your choice.
Once your data is backed up, you can download El Capitan from the Mac App Store. Open the App Store and search for El Capitan. Click on the download button and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
The installation process may take some time, so it is important to be patient and not interrupt the process. Once the installation is complete, your MacBook Pro will restart and you will be greeted with the setup assistant for El Capitan. Simply follow the prompts to set up your Mac with the new operating system.
It is worth noting that while El Capitan is compatible with the mid 2009 MacBook Pro, it is also the last version of macOS that this model can support. This means that you will not be able to upgrade to newer versions of macOS such as Sierra, High Sierra, or Mojave.
It is important to keep this in mind if you are considering upgrading your mid 2009 MacBook Pro. While El Capitan is still a capable operating system, it may not support all of the latest features and software updates.
In my personal experience, I have upgraded several older MacBooks to El Capitan and found that it can breathe new life into these machines. While they may not be able to run the latest software, they can still perform well for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and word processing.
If you have a mid 2009 MacBook Pro and are looking to upgrade from Yosemite, El Capitan is a viable option. Just make sure to check the system requirements and back up your data before proceeding with the upgrade.