Most of the time, you can re-download the current version of macOS via the Mac App Store, and older ones via these links:
- Mac Os Catalina Beta Download Apple App Store
- Apple Mac Os Catalina Download
- Mac Os Catalina Beta Download Apple Macbook Pro
- Mac Os Catalina Beta Download Apple Watch
However, I've run into a situation several times where the Software Update mechanism simply refuses to initiate a download:
Thankfully, macOS installers can be downloaded via Terminal in macOS Catalina. This command will download the most recent version of macOS, depositing it in your Applications folder:
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer
This is just a profile and not the OS itself. Once downloaded double click to install it on your current system! It will make it possible for you download the actual OS (Catalina). It should open a window and once the installation of the profile is done you should be able to download macOS Catalina in that window — go ahead and do that. Apple's latest major update for the Mac — macOS Catalina. Production due to a change in how the macOS Catalina beta handles MP3 playback. Download macOS Catalina. Click the Apple.
The softwareupdate command has some neat tricks up its sleeve, as pointed out by Armin Briegel:
The --fetch-full-installer flag has a sub-flag: --full-installer-version which allows you to download a specific version.
During my testing in the Catalina beta version I was able to download 10.15, 10.14.6, 10.14.5, and 10.13.6. I was not able to test if 10.13.6 would download the hardware specific build of 10.13.6 for the 2018 MacBook Pro, since I do not have that hardware.
So, to pull 10.13.6 down, you'd use:
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6
I wish Apple would just have a support document up with direct downloads for all of this stuff, but this tool is not a bad alternative.
Update: Don't miss this documentation from JAMF for more on the subject.
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.
Learn how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.
Check compatibility
If a macOS installer can't be used on your Mac, the installer will let you know. For example, it might say that it's too old to be opened on this version of macOS, or that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation.
To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite. You can also find compatibility information on the product-ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro.
Make a backup
Before installing, it's a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. How to update an apple computer. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Download macOS
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable internet connection.
Safari uses these links to find the old installers in the App Store. After downloading from the App Store, the installer opens automatically.
- macOS Catalina 10.15 can upgrade Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks
- macOS Mojave 10.14 can upgrade High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion
- macOS High Sierra 10.13 can upgrade Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion
Safari downloads the following older installers as a disk image named InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It installs an app named Install [Version Name]. Open that app from your Applications folder to begin installing the operating system.
- macOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion
- OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard
- OS X Yosemite 10.10can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard
Mac Os Catalina Beta Download Apple App Store
Install macOS
Apple Mac Os Catalina Download
Follow the onscreen instructions in the installer. It might be easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
Mac Os Catalina Beta Download Apple Macbook Pro
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs macOS and related firmware updates.
Mac Os Catalina Beta Download Apple Watch
Learn more
You might also be able to use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.
