In theory, updating mac OS should be a simple exercise. In reality, the update process can go awry in many different ways.
The process starts with your Mac notifying you that there's an update available. Depending on your settings, your OS may have already downloaded the update. If that's the case, all you need to do is click on 'Go' to install it.
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard was the first version of OS X to be built exclusively for Intel Macs, and the final release with 32-bit Intel Mac support. The name was intended to signal its status as an iteration of Leopard, focusing on technical and performance improvements rather than user-facing features; indeed it was explicitly branded to. You might be aware that Apple's current Mac operating system is based on UNIX.but the company's history with the platform goes back farther than you might.
Most of the time, this is where the problem will occur. When you start the installation process, your Mac may freeze or get stuck on the updating screen. Other times, you may not even be able to download the update at all.
The good news: there are several solutions to each of these issues. Here's all you need to know about how to install a mac OS update.
Download Troubles
Can't get past the download stage? If so, here's a list of things you should try.
1. Check Apple's Servers
Any time Apple releases a new update, their servers are more likely to take a hit. If too many people are trying to grab the update, you may need to wait for your turn. To make sure you're good to go, check the System Status page.
2. Use a Wired Connection
Struggling with low WiFi speeds? Consider using an Ethernet cable to download the update as soon as possible. If your Mac only has a USB port, you'll need an Ethernet adapter with an RJ-45 connector to plug yourself into the hub.
3. Restart the Download
Sometimes, the download will stop for no apparent reason. If there's been no progress for at least a few hours, it may be best to cancel it and start over.
If you're using Mojave or higher, go to System Preferences > Software Update. To stop the download, click on the x on the right side of the bar that shows the download progress. Then, start the download again from the same screen.
For a pre-Mojave system, you'll need to head to the Mac App Store. Find the software update you're trying to download and press Alt/Option. This should give you the option to cancel the download and start it again.
4. Look Elsewhere
On rare occasions, the issue will lie in the Software Update feature itself. If you're running a newer OS, you may have better luck grabbing the update via the Mac App Store. Space fall mac os. Of course, make sure to cancel the update in Software Update beforehand.
Trying to download a point update instead of a completely new OS version? If so, you can use Apple's website instead of Software Update or the App Store. All the updates are in the Download section, so pick the one you need.
Stalled Updates
When your update runs into an issue, it will get stuck on the updating screen. You may even see the dreaded spinning beach ball. Here's what you can do about it.
1. Make Sure It's Frozen
First things first: verify that the installation isn't running in the background. Gerty (itch) mac os. If you reboot your Mac during this process, there's a risk you'll lose some data. This is why it's a good idea to back up your machine before installing new software.
Also, some Mac updates take a very long time. This is particularly true if you're updating your software on the same day that Apple releases it. If you can spare the time, leave your Mac running overnight to try and finish the job.
Keep in mind that the progress bar is an unreliable indicator of update activity. It can tell you that you'll need to wait two hours just before jumping down to 30 minutes. This often happens because your Mac is installing files behind the scenes.
2. Look at the Log
The Log screen tends to provide a better update time prediction. To access it, press Command + L. This will show you which files are getting installed and how long this should take. You should also see additional information about the process.
If it turns out that your installation is still ongoing, give it at least a few hours. To learn more about the update process, check out this guide.
System Freezing
If the Log shows that nothing is happening, restart your Mac and try again. If that doesn't help, go through the following steps until you find and fix the problem.
1. Combo Update
As mentioned above, Apple hosts all the necessary update files on its website. If you're having trouble with the usual method, get your software from the website.
To do that, go to the Downloads section and find the Combo Update option. This software version includes all the files you need to update the OS. On top of that, it will replace any system files you already have, ensuring that the update can finish.
2. Use Safe Mode
To enter Safe Mode, press the power button and hold down your Shift key. Keep holding down Shift until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen, then release it. While you're in Safe Mode, open the App Store and update all your apps.
If this doesn't fix the issue, you may not have enough storage available for the update. To remedy this, go back to Safe Mode and delete any apps you don't need.
3. Reset the NVRAM
Resetting the NVRAM is a quick way to troubleshoot a Mac that behaves strangely. To reset your NVRAM, leave Safe Mode and hold down Command, P, R, and Alt/Option. Once you restart your Mac, try to start the update again.
More on Updating Mac OS
With some luck, the above tips will help you in your quest of updating mac OS.
If all else fails, consider reinstalling your mac OS via Recovery Mode. This will replace all the Apple system files, including the ones that may be causing the problem. To do this, hold down Command + R and select the 'Install New OS' option.
Are you wondering, 'What's the best way to update my mac OS?' Interested in other Mac tips that will make your life easier? To find that out, read more of our tech-related content!
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
We'll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it's good to know the basic macOS timeline.
Cheetah 10.0 | Puma 10.1 | Jaguar 10.2 |
Panther 10.3 | Tiger 10.4 | Leopard 10.5 |
Snow Leopard 10.6 | Lion 10.7 | Mountain Lion 10.8 |
Mavericks 10.9 | Yosemite 10.10 | El Capitan 10.11 |
Sierra 10.12 | High Sierra 10.13 | Mojave 10.14 |
Catalina 10.15 |
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:
- Click the App Store icon.
- Click Purchases in the top menu.
- Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
- 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.
Force Mac Os Upgrade
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.
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: Atls1100original game: monster inn mac os.
First Mac Os For Intel
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.
- Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
- Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
- Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
- Select external drive as a source.
- 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.
- Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
- Connect the external drive.
- 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.
Mac Os Operating System History
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
First Mac Os 10
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.