Download and Install macOS Tahoe 26.0.1 - 3 Best Ways

At WWDC 2025, Apple announced its latest major update to the Mac operating system, macOS Tahoe. The good news is that the official version is available now.

In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to download and install macOS 26 on your Mac. Check compatibility, back up your Mac, and free up storage space — then you’re ready to get started!

Preparations Before Installing macOS Tahoe 26.0.1

Before installing macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, it’s important to complete a few key preparations to ensure the installation goes smoothly.

Check if Your Mac Is Compatible with macOS Tahoe 26.0.1

The following Macs can run macOS Tahoe:

• MacBook Air 2020 and later
• MacBook Pro 2020 and later, including the 2019 16-inch
• Mac mini 2020 and later
• iMac 2020 and later
• iMac Pro 2017
• Mac Pro 2019 and later
• Mac Studio 2022 and later

Ensure Your Mac Has Enough Storage Space

Your Mac also needs to meet storage requirements. Since macOS 26 exceeds 17 GB, you should have at least 35 GB of free space available.

To check storage on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Go to General > Storage.
3. Hover over the last grey section of the storage bar to see how much space is left.

If your Mac is low on space, BuhoCleaner can help. This simple and easy-to-use Mac cleaner lets you reclaim gigabytes of storage in just a couple of clicks (see the screenshot below).

Click the button below to try it yourself.

Back Up Your Mac

Before installing any macOS update, it’s necessary to back up your data using Time Machine or a reliable third-party backup tool.

For detailed steps, see How to Back Up Your Mac with and without Time Machine.

Once everything is ready, you can move on to installing macOS Tahoe.

How to Download and Install macOS Tahoe with Software Update

The most recommended way to download and install macOS Tahoe is through Software Update.

• On macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia:

1. Open System Settings on your Mac.
2. Go to General > Software Update. The system will automatically check for updates.
   

   

3. When the macOS Tahoe update appears, click Upgrade Now.
4. Once downloaded, follow the on-screen installation instructions.

• On macOS Monterey and Earlier:

1. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Click Software Update to check for the macOS Tahoe update.
3. Click Upgrade Now to start downloading.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

How to Download and Install macOS Tahoe with Terminal

You can also use the built-in softwareupdate command in Terminal to download and install the full macOS Tahoe installer. Here’s how:

1. Open Terminal via Spotlight.
2. Run the command below to download the macOS Tahoe installer:

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 26.0.1

3. Once downloaded, you will find Install macOS Tahoe.app in your Applications folder.
4. Launch it with this command.

open "/Applications/Install macOS Tahoe.app"

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.

How to Download and Install macOS Tahoe with InstallAssistant.pkg

A macOS Tahoe InstallAssistant package contains the official Install macOS Tahoe.app, which you can use to upgrade your Mac.

Here's how:

1. Click the link below to download the macOS Tahoe InstallAssistant.pkg.

   macOS Tahoe InstallAssistant.pkg

2. Run the downloaded .pkg file. This will place Install macOS Tahoe.app in your Applications folder.

3. Open the installer by going to Finder > Applications > Install macOS Tahoe.app or by searching for it in Spotlight.

4. Install macOS Tahoe on your main drive or on a separate APFS volume/partition.

FAQs About Downloading and Installing macOS Tahoe 26.0.1

By the end of the post, we’ll answer several frequently asked questions about installing macOS 26.

1. Is It Safe to Install macOS Tahoe on My Main Mac?

   Technically, it’s unsafe to install the macOS version on your Mac. It could be unstable because macOS 26 is still in the early stages of development. It’s better to install it on a separate APFS volume, secondary machine, or external drive to prevent any problems with your main Mac.

2. Can I Install macOS 26 on an External Drive?

   Yes, it’s possible to install macOS Tahoe on an external drive. This is a good idea if you don’t want to affect your macOS. You can create a bootable installer on the external drive and install macOS 26 there.

3. Can I Switch Between macOS Tahoe and My Current macOS Version?

   Yes, assuming you have installed macOS Tahoe on a different volume or partition on your Mac. Simply, open System Settings > Startup Disk, select the macOS you want to start up, and click the Restart button.

4. What if I Encounter Issues During the macOS Tahoe Installation?

   • Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet.
   • Restart your Mac and try again.
   • If the issue persists, ask for help from Apple or the relevant forums.