How to download and install macOS
Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.
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 and Apple Music.
Use Software Update
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 shows only 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 or upgrade macOS using Software Update
Use macOS Recovery
If you want to reinstall macOS, or installation from Software Update is unsuccessful, or your Mac doesn't start up all the way because it doesn't have a working operating system, you can start up from macOS Recovery, then reinstall macOS from there.
How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery
Use the App Store
Make sure that the Mac you’re using to download macOS is compatible with that macOS. If it isn’t compatible, the App Store might dim the Get button, say that the macOS is not compatible with this device, or say that the requested version of macOS is not available.
If you're downloading macOS in order to make a bootable installer, make sure that your Mac is using macOS Mojave 10.14 or later.
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.
Click the Get button in the App Store to begin downloading. If Software Update opens and asks if you want to download macOS, allow the download.
After downloading to your Applications folder, the installer opens automatically. Follow the onscreen installation instructions. Or quit without installing to leave the installer in your Applications folder for later use.
Use a web browser for older versions
Make sure that the Mac you’re using to download macOS is compatible with that macOS. If it isn't compatible, you won't be able to complete these steps.
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.
By default, Safari downloads the disk image to your Downloads folder, which you can open from the Dock or by choosing Go > Downloads from the menu bar in the Finder. Double-click the .dmg file to open it and see the package (.pkg) file within.
Double-click the .pkg file, then follow the onscreen instructions to install the macOS installer into your Applications folder.
Open your Applications folder and double-click the macOS installer, named Install [Version Name]. Follow the onscreen installation instructions.
Use a bootable installer
A bootable installer can be useful when 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.
How to create a bootable installer for macOS
Check macOS compatibility
Find out which computers are compatible with the most recent versions of macOS:
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