How to download and install macOS – Apple Support (UK) (original) (raw)

To maintain your computer’s security, stability and compatibility, Apple recommends using the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. macOS updates and upgrades also include the latest features and built-in apps, such as Safari.

Software Update is the fastest and easiest way to get macOS updates and upgrades, and it can use less storage space to download and install them.

Software Update only shows software that is compatible with your Mac. If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model.

How to update macOS using Software Update

If you want to reinstall macOS, or your Mac doesn't start up all the way because it doesn't have a working operating system, you can use the built-in Recovery system to reinstall macOS.

How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery

To download macOS from the App Store, you must download from a Mac that is compatible with that macOS. If your Mac isn’t compatible, the App Store will dim the Get button, state that the macOS is not compatible with this device or state that the requested version of macOS is not available.

1. Use these links to find macOS in the App Store. If these links don’t work as expected, try again using Safari, which is in your Applications folder.
   • Sequoia 15
   • Sonoma 14
   • Ventura 13
   • Monterey 12
   • Big Sur 11
   • Catalina 10.15
   • Mojave 10.14
   • High Sierra 10.13
2. Click the Get button in the App Store to begin downloading. Software Update may open and ask you to download from there.
3. After downloading to your Applications folder, the installer will open automatically. Follow the onscreen installation instructions. Or quit without installing to leave the installer in your Applications folder for later use.

These older macOS versions are available as disk images that you can download using your web browser. To get the installer from the disk image, you must use a Mac that is compatible with that macOS.

1. Use these links to download a macOS disk image (.dmg) file. If these links don’t work as expected, try again using Safari, which is in your Applications folder.
   • Sierra 10.12
   • El Capitan 10.11
   • Yosemite 10.10
   • Mountain Lion 10.8
   • Lion 10.7
2. Double-click the .dmg file to open it and see the package (.pkg) file within.
3. Double-click the .pkg file, then follow the onscreen instructions to install the macOS installer into your Applications folder.
4. Open your Applications folder and double-click the macOS installer, named Install [_Version Name_]. Follow the onscreen installation instructions.

A bootable installer can be useful if you want to install macOS on multiple computers without downloading the installer each time, or when you can't install using macOS Recovery or the other methods.

To download an installer suitable for creating a bootable installer, use the App Store or use a web browser to download from a compatible Mac. The Mac must also be using the latest version of macOS Sierra or later.

How to create a bootable installer for macOS

If an error occurred while updating or installing macOS

If you need more storage space to download or install

If your Mac doesn't start up all the way

Published Date: September 26, 2024