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How to download and install macOS

To download and install macOS, you can follow these steps, which include downloading the installer, creating a bootable USB drive, and installing the operating system.

Downloading the macOS Installer

Using the App Store

Open the App Store on your Mac and search for the macOS version you want to install. Click the "Get" button to start the download. Ensure you are using a Mac that is compatible with the version of macOS you are downloading4 5.

Using a Web Browser

For older versions of macOS, you can download the installer directly from Apple's website using a web browser. These downloads are often in the form of a disk image (.dmg) file. Double-click the .dmg file to open it, and then double-click the package (.pkg) file within to install the macOS installer into your Applications folder4 5.

Creating a Bootable Installer

Preparing the USB Drive

You need a USB flash drive with at least 16 GB of free space. Make sure to back up any important data on the USB drive, as the process will erase all data on it1 2 3.

Using Terminal to Create the Bootable Installer

Connect the USB flash drive directly to your Mac.
Open Terminal, which is located in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.

Enter the appropriate command based on the version of macOS you are using. Here are some examples:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Replace MyVolume with the actual name of your USB flash drive if it is different1 2.

Using EaseUS Software (Optional)

Alternatively, you can use EaseUS data recovery software, which has a built-in feature to create a macOS installer. Launch the software, select "macOS Installer" from the Advanced Features, choose the macOS version, and follow the prompts to erase and create the bootable installer on your USB drive2 3.

Installing macOS

Booting from the USB Drive

Shut down the Mac you want to install macOS on.
Connect the bootable USB drive to the Mac.
Turn on the Mac and hold down the power button until you see the startup options window.
Select the bootable installer from the list of available startup disks and click Continue1.

Following Onscreen Instructions

Once the macOS installer opens, follow the onscreen instructions to proceed with the installation. This may include selecting the language, agreeing to the terms, and choosing the disk where you want to install macOS.
If you are performing a clean install, you will need to erase the startup disk using Disk Utility before proceeding with the installation1 3.

For Macs with Apple Silicon

Ensure the Mac is connected to the internet, as the bootable installer needs an internet connection to get firmware and other information for the Mac model.
Follow the same steps as above, but note that the process might slightly vary due to the different startup options on Apple silicon Macs1.