How to download an older version of mac os

If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.

Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. So, here are main steps you should take:. Update to Download El Capitan here. 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 Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra.

Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra. Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave. Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina. To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum hardware requirements: macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements macOS Catalina Published Date: October 25, Yes No.

Character limit: Maximum character limit is Start a discussion in Apple Support Communities. This does the same thing as using Terminal commands but with a simple graphical interface. To that, you need to select it when your Mac starts up.

If you want to install an older version of macOS on your main drive, you need to completely wipe it first. Now, when you head back to the macOS installer, you should be able to install the older version of OS X on your main disk.

If you need to run an older version of OS X to use older third-party software, consider looking for alternatives that run on the latest versions instead. That way, downgrading might not be necessary at all. With over 5 years of supporting Mac users, Ruslana lives and breathes everything Mac. Tech expert, Apple lover, and well, a cutie. Say hi on LinkedIn! Oops, something went wrong. We use cookies to create the best online experience. Check our Cookie Policy for details.

Mac Tutorials. By Ruslana Lishchuk. To install an older version of OS X on Mac, you need to: Check your Mac meets the system requirements to run older OS X versions Find and download a macOS installer file for the version you want to install sometimes this is a. How to check if your Mac can run a particular OS X version: 1. Click the I logo in the top left of macOS 2.

Select About This Mac 3. How to create a bootable disk using Disk Creator for Mac: 1.