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How to Download macOS on Your Mac: 4 Quick Steps

Simplify your macOS installation

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Last updated: November 30, 2024

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TL;DR

To download macOS on your Mac:

  1. Open the App Store from Finder > Applications to access macOS downloads.
  2. Search for your desired macOS version in the App Store, check compatibility, and click Get to download.
  3. Locate the installer, follow prompts to select a drive, agree to terms, and start the installation process.
  4. Restart, set region, language, and account preferences, configure iCloud, and complete the setup.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

Starting with macOS can feel a bit overwhelming—I’ve been there. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step by step. By the end, you’ll have macOS downloaded and ready to use. Let’s get started!

Before You Start

  1. Check System Compatibility: Ensure your Mac meets the hardware and software requirements for the desired macOS version using Apple’s guidelines or a compatibility checker.
  2. Backup Your Data: Safeguard important files by backing them up with Time Machine or an external drive before installation.
  3. Connect to a Stable Internet Connection: Use a reliable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to avoid interruptions during the macOS download.

4 Steps to Download macOS on Your Mac

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Here is the step-by-step process to download macOS on your Mac.

Step 1: Go to the Mac App Store

  1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
click finder in your dock
  1. Click Applications in the left sidebar. Locate the App Store application and double-click to open it.
locate and open the app store application

Step 2: Download macOS on Your Mac

Before downloading macOS, ensure you have enough storage space on your Mac. Each macOS version takes a different amount of space, so check how much space macOS will take on your Mac before downloading.

Here’s how to download macOS on your Mac from the App Store:

  1. In the App Store, you’ll see a search bar at the top right corner of the window. Type macOS into the search bar and select the version you want to download.
type macos in app store search bar
  1. After selecting the version you want to download, review the information available on the product page specific to that version to ensure compatibility with your Mac.

You won’t find all macOS versions in Apple App Store. If you want to download and install an older macOS version, consider unofficial sources, like online forums or torrent sites. 

  1. After reviewing, click the Get or Download button to initiate the download process.
click the get button to download macos version
  1. Monitor the download progress and make sure your Mac remains connected to the internet throughout the download process.
  2. Once the download is finished, the macOS installer file will be saved in your Downloads folder. Verify the file by locating it in the specified location and checking its size and file name.

Step 3: Install macOS

Here’s how you can install macOS on your Mac:

  1. Look for the installer file in your Downloads folder. It typically has a name like Install macOS [Version Name].
  2. Double-click the macOS installer file to launch it. This will start the installation process.
  3. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password to authorize the installation. Enter the required password and click OK or Continue to proceed.
  4. The macOS installer will display the terms and conditions for installing the operating system. Read and click the Agree button to indicate your consent.
  5. The installer will prompt you to select the destination drive where macOS will be installed. Select the drive and click Continue to proceed.
  6. Once you have selected the destination drive, click the Install or Continue button to start the installation process.
  7. Monitor the installation progress on the screen, which may display a progress bar.

Step 4: Set Up Your Mac

The last step focuses on successfully setting up your Mac after the macOS installation is complete. Here’s how you can set up your Mac:

  1. Restart into the newly installed macOS.
  2. Upon restarting, macOS will prompt you to select your region and language preferences. Choose your preferred region and language from the provided options.
  3. Next, you’ll need to set up a user account for your Mac. Enter your full name, desired account name, and a strong password.
  4. Once you’re signed in with your Apple ID, macOS will prompt you to set up iCloud services. Configure the settings based on your preferences and needs.
  5. After configuring iCloud, macOS will finalize the setup process, and you will be taken to your Mac desktop.

Download macOS and Start a New Journey With Your Mac

Now that you know how to download macOS on your Mac, you may need to learn more about optimizing your system. Here are some more Mac maintenance tips for you:

  • If you’re moving from Windows to Mac, learn how to use a Mac with our beginner’s guide.
  • Knowing a few common Mac keyboard shortcuts can save you time and boost your productivity.
  • Regular macOS updates bring improvements and fixes, making it important to stay updated for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download macOS on a Windows PC?

No, you cannot download macOS on a Windows PC. macOS is designed to run exclusively on Apple hardware. However, you can use virtualization software like VMware or Parallels to run macOS on a virtual machine within a Windows environment.

Can I download macOS on multiple Mac computers using the same Apple ID?

Yes, you can download macOS on multiple Mac computers using the same Apple ID. Simply sign in to the App Store on each Mac with the same Apple ID used for the initial download, navigate to the Purchased section, and initiate the download for macOS. This lets you conveniently install and update macOS on all your compatible Mac computers using a single Apple ID.

Can I revert to a previous macOS version after installing a newer version?

Yes, you can revert to a previous macOS version after installing a newer version. However, Apple generally does not provide official support for downgrading macOS versions. It is possible to revert to a previous version if you have a Time Machine or bootable backup of your previous macOS installation.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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