So, you’ve decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac’s performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we’ll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.

A list of all Mac OS X versions

Download Catalina Link 1. Confirm the complete “Install macOS Catalina.app” installer file is located in t. Click Yes to download the full installer, which should be around 6000MB. Download macOS Mojave DMG Installer from Mac App Store. If all you need is the stub installer for an upgrade from an existing macOS installation, it's even easier because it's just a question of simple and direct download from Apple's servers.

We’ll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it’s good to know the basic macOS timeline.

STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation

Given your Mac isn’t new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have “fuel” to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.

Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:

• Uninstall large unused apps
• Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
• Locate the biggest files on your computer:

Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)

STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download

Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That’s why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.

How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store

If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you’ll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn’t always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:

1. Click the App Store icon.
2. Click Purchases in the top menu.
3. Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
4. Click Download.

This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.

Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer

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. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.

Purchase an older version of Mac operating system

You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.

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Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8

The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.

How to get macOS El Capitan download

If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it’s possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:

1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.

“I can’t download an old version of Mac OS X”

If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don’t expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.

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.

After you’ve completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.

STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive

The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.

1. Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
2. Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
3. Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
4. Select external drive as a source.
5. Enter your Apple ID.

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. Now that the installation file is “captured” onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.

1. Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
2. Connect the external drive.
3. Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.

Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.

How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions

If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
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

Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).

Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version

If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.

These might also interest you:

Are you looking for the direct download for Mac OS Sierra Download 10.12 mac os sierra download iso? Well you have come to the right place. No Apple store needed!. We have uploaded this so you can make a bootable USB using TransMac etc. Its also perfect for those Hackintosh installs!

The Mac OS is in a .zip format so you will need to extract the file first. The reason why we uploaded this here is to keep everything in one location. I will be uploading some older versions of Mac OS suitable for older macbooks here. Lets get on with the Mac OS Sierra Download.

According to Apple, the official compatible hardware list of Macs capable of running Mac OS Sierra 10.12 is as follows:

• MacBook Pro (2010 and later)
• MacBook Air (2010 and later)
• Mac Mini (2010 and later)
• Mac Pro (2010 and later)
• MacBook (Late 2009 and later)
• iMac (Late 2009 and later)

Please note that if you install Mac OS with a GMA GPU, you will need to install the correct Kexts files to go with it. We will be uploading them soon!. So stay tuned to Just Apple Stuff for your Mac OS Sierra Download!

Mac OS Sierra Download 10.12:

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File name: Install macOS Sierra.zip
File size: 4.44GB
Version: macOS Sierra
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Mac OS Sierra Direct Download: Direct Download

Mac OS Sierra Torrent Download:

Note: Let Us Know In comments if any link is not working, We will update ASAP.

MacOS Sierra Overview

The Apple MacOS is one of the most beloved computers Operating systems in the world. It is simple yet powerful to use. Apple updates the OS to make it one of the best and most responsive systems.

Apple is known to add new features to the OS now and then. The most recent installment of the all-new MacOS is the OSX 10.12 High Sierra. The OS is a successor to MacOS El Capitan(The captain), and it has lots of new and added features to keep the computers at top peak.

Updates in software usually are meant to debug and to add new features to the system. Apple has never failed us with the new fascinating features which are worked up into the MacOS.

The New Features Of Mac Sierra macOS are:

A new file management system: The system assures better security along with a with a new management technology which is used here. It also ensures more responsiveness and says the system has a new foundation different from the previous mac systems.

HEVC

HEVC is a new video streaming method which is introduced in the new OS. It is said to be up to 40% faster and takes less space on the mac while ensuring the same quality.

Metal 2

Metal 2 is the new GPU which is to improve Graphical processing during games or while streaming content. It also supports better VR and software development.

The MacOS Sierra allows the users to create interactive virtual reality worlds. Apps and all features have been boosted. A better version of photos is also created in the update. The web browser Safari is improved with new features such as web tracking prevention and website tailoring.

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More detailed features of the OS can be read here: https://www.apple.com/lae/macos/high-sierra/

The difference between Sierra and High Sierra is that High Sierra OS is a newer and better version of the Sierra OS. High Sierra 10.12 was released on 9th June 2018 whereas Sierra was released back in September of 2016.

Hardware Requirements to be checked before download:

A MacOS 10.7.5 or later
2GB of RAM
9GB internal or external storage.

How to Download Apple Mac OSX 10.12 Sierra?

Apple recommends downloading the High Sierra OS from the Mac AppStore. It is recommended to download the High Sierra due to security and compatibility reasons.

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During installation, your Mac might restart many times. It will then perform some initial setup tasks in the background. While the setups are being done, activities may not seem as fast as before the update but will soon be better and faster than ever.

Should I Download Apple Mac OS 10.12 Sierra?

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The Answer is, Yes! Definitely. The Mac OS Sierra Download is the most advanced MacOS ever and is packed with several features never seen before. It also improves files storage and security of your mac.

Finally, we come to an end to this guide on Download of the Apple MacOS 10.12 Sierra. We hope it helps you to run your Mac smoothly and safely.