How do i download an older version of osx?

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. Move pkg installer to the Application folder. It will install an app named Install Version Name. Get an install medium for your older OSX. You probably have to search the internet for a bootable version of e.

Then run the. This will add the relevant macOS installer to your Applications folder. After downloading the installer for your old version of macOS, you need to get it into a format your Mac can boot from. The best and easiest option is to create a bootable USB drive.

This could be an external hard drive or a thumb drive. You can also burn installation files to DVD, but this will take longer to install. Check out our full guide to making a bootable copy of macOS to see how this is done. 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.

To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility, and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. The version of macOS that came with your Mac is the earliest version it can use. For example, it might say that it's not compatible with this device or is too old to be opened on this version of macOS.

To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum hardware requirements:.