Want to downgrade to an older version of macOS because the latest one doesn't work on your Mac?
You're a developer and need to run multiple versions of Mac OS X to make sure your software is compatible with them.
You just don't like the new macOS and want to go back to the previous macOS?
Whatever your reason for wanting to download and install an older version of Mac OS X or macOS, you've come across the right article. We explain where to get them.
Where to download old macOS systems?
Before installing an older version of macOS or Mac OS X, you need to obtain the installer for the desired version.
Depending on the macOS you're using, you should be able to find older versions of Mac OS X (and macOS) in the Mac App Store. However, you may not be able to access it if a newer version of the operating system is installed on your computer.
Before Mojave arrived in 2018, older versions of MacOS were under the Buy tab, that is, assuming you had "purchased" them.
However, when Apple released Mojave, the Mac App Store changed and they are no longer downloadable from the Store unless you are using an older version of macOS/macOS X.
We have a solution to get around this difficulty and get the following Mac OS/X:
- macos catalina
- macOS Mojave
- MacOS High Sierra
- MacOS Sierra
- OS X El Capitan
- OS X Yosemite
- OS X Mavericks
- OS X Mountain Lion
- OS X Lion
However, you won't be able to download Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Lion and Mountain Lion, but we explain how to do that later in this tutorial.
Download macOS Mojave
Although Mojave updates are done through Software Updates, you can download installers from the Mac App Store, even if you're on Catalina.
You can get macOS Mojave via this Mac App Store link, follow the instructions then click Get.
The software update will open the Find Update window, then you will be asked to confirm the download.
This is not an update per se but the full Mojave installer.
Once downloaded, do not click Install, otherwise the program will be automatically removed. It should be in your Applications folder.
Download macOS High Sierra
- Download High Sierra from Mac App Store.
It is not possible for you to download High Sierra if your macOS is under Catalina.
If this is your case, then use a Mac running an older version, then login to the Mac App Store with your password and download High Sierra, don't install it. It will be placed in your Applications folder.
You will also find updates for the older version of macOS on this page from Apple, but these are one-time updates and not their full version.
Download macOS Sierra
- Download Sierra from Mac App Store.
In 2017, when Apple launched macOS High Sierra, the company removed Sierra from the list of purchased products. Which made it more difficult to go back to this version, but it is still possible to download Sierra.
Note that if you are using Mojave, then an error message will inform you that it cannot find the update. You will therefore need a macOS that is not under Mojave.
Download El Capitan and Yosemite
- Download El Capitan from this link Mac App Store
- Download Yosemite.dmg with this Apple link
Your computer is running OS X Yosemite, so you can see Mac OS X versions in the Mac App Store, but also Mavericks and Mountain Lion.
To get an older version of Mac OS X from the Mac App Store, use a Mac running High Sierra or earlier.
Note that this does not work if you already have Mojave or Catalina installed.
Obtenir OS X Snow Leopard, Lion et Mountain Lion
Snow Leopard is not available for download from the Mac App Store. However, you can get the Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard installation CD from online shopping sites like eBay. Be aware that you will probably need an external CD/DVD drive.
On the Apple France site, you will find OS X Lion (10.7) as well as Mountain Lion.
Get OS X Leopard or earlier
If the OS you're looking for predates Snow Leopard and you have a developer account, then log in and search under the OS X category.
You may be able to access some software downloads if your Apple ID is associated with a paid Apple developer program.
You can also try looking on Amazon or eBay.
