Download past versions of mac os

If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. But as it often happens, workarounds are possible.

There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac or virtual machine running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion.

Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it. Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down.

Maximum character limit is Start a discussion in Apple Support Communities. Ask other users about this article Ask other users about this article. If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model.

But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac or virtual machine running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.

Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down.

Locate InstallESD. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks. If your Mac runs macOS Sierra Yes No. Never Miss Out Receive updates of our latest tutorials.

Sign up for all newsletters. I would like to receive newsletters via email. Check compatibility The version of macOS that came with your Mac is the earliest version it can use. To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum hardware requirements: macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements macOS Catalina Published Date: November 01,