How to Download macOS (Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey) – 4 Ways
In general, Apple releases a new version of macOS every year, and these OS upgrades are free to download and install. Below we introduce 4 ways to let you easily download macOS (Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, etc.).
Way 1. Download macOS via Software Update
The easiest and fastest way to download and install the latest version of macOS is to use Software Update. It also requires less storage space.
On macOS Sonoma or Ventura:
- Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General.
- Click Software Update in the right window.
On macOS Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, and Earlier:
Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
After you click Software Update, it will start automatically checking for newer software updates for your Mac, including OS updates and upgrades, built-in app updates, and more.
If Software Update finds a newer macOS version for your device, you can click Upgrade Now to download and install the newer Mac OS for your computer. Your Mac may restart and the screen may go blank several times.
Way 2. Download macOS from the Official Apple Website
You can also go to the official Apple website to manually download your preferred version of macOS if you want. Follow these steps to download Mac OS from the official Apple website.
Step 1. Open a web browser on your Mac. Go to the official Apple macOS website at https://www.apple.com/macos/. Currently, it displays information about macOS Sonoma, the latest macOS version.
Step 2. On the macOS page, you can click on the "Download" or “Upgrade Now” button. This will take you to the Mac App Store.
Step 3. On the Mac App Store page, you will see the latest version of macOS available for download. Now it is macOS Sonoma. Click the "Get" button to download macOS Sonoma for your Mac.
Alternatively, you can also directly click the link below to open the App Store page for the corresponding macOS.
- macOS Ventura 13 Download Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-ventura/id1638787999.
- macOS Monterey 12 Download Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294.
- macOS Big Sur 11 Download Link: macappstores://apps.apple.com/app/macos-big-sur/id1526878132?mt=12
- macOS Catalina 10.15 Download Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314.
- macOS Mojave 10.14 Download Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314.
- macOS High Serria 10.13 Download Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314.
Step 4. You may be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. If you don't have one, you can create a new Apple ID.
Step 5. After signing in, the macOS installation file will begin downloading. The file size is above 10GB, so it may take some time depending on your internet connection speed.
Step 6. Once the download is complete, the macOS installation file will be saved to your Applications folder by default.
Step 7. Then you can double-click the installation file to follow the instructions to install macOS.
Way 3. Download macOS from the App Store
You can also directly open the App Store on your Mac and search for the preferred macOS version to download. You can click the App Store icon in the Dock or click Apple > App Store to open the Mac App Store.
Way 4. Reinstall macOS from Recovery Mode
If your Mac computer has problems and you want to reinstall your macOS, you can use Mac Recovery Mode. It is an easy way to download and install a new copy of macOS on your Mac. Check the detailed guide in this post: How to Reinstall macOS (Ventura) with Recovery Mode or USB.
Conclusion
If you want to download macOS (Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur Catalina, etc.), this post offers 4 ways with detailed instructions.
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