macOS Sonoma 14.5 Free Download and Install - 3 Ways

Cassie Xie
Last updated: Jul 25, 2024
Summary: This post offers a macOS Sonoma 14.5 free download and install guide. Try the latest macOS on your Mac computer if you want.

If you don’t know how to download and install the latest macOS Sonoma, check out this guide where we introduce you to 3 methods and explain the steps in detail. Let's get started.

macOS Sonoma download

Before You Download and Install macOS Sonoma 14.5

1. Check Compatibility

macOS Sonoma is only compatible with the following Mac models.

  • iMac (2019 or later)
  • iMac Pro
  • MacBook Air (2018 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (2018 or later)
  • Mac Mini (2018 or later)
  • Mac Pro (2019 or later)
  • Mac Studio (2022 or later)

2. Clear Enough Storage Space

To successfully download and install macOS Sonoma, ensure your Mac has at least 25 GB of free space.

You can click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage (or Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage on macOS Monterey or earlier) to check how much storage space is available on your Mac.

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How to Download and Install macOS Sonoma 14.5 via Software Update

The most recommended way to download and Install macOS Sonoma 14.5 is by using the Software Update.

Here's how:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
  2. Click General > Software Update. Let your Mac automatically check for updates.
    Download and Install macOS Sonoma with Software Update
  3. After checking, you will receive a notification if an update of the macOS Sonoma is available for your Mac. If you see macOS 14.5 is available, click "Upgrade Now" or "Update Now" and follow the instructions to download and install macOS Sonoma on your Mac computer.
Note
If you would like to download the full installer for macOS Sonoma 14.5, click this direct link to download it through the App Store.

How to Download and Install macOS Sonoma 14.5 via Terminal

You can also use Terminal to check and install the macOS Sonoma 14.5 update.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open Terminal via Spotlight or Finder > Utilities.

  2. Run the command below in the Terminal.

    softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.5

  3. Wait for the scanning and installing process to finish.

Download and Install macOS Sonoma with Terminal

How to Download and Install macOS Sonoma 14.5 via Install Assistant Package

If you wish to prevent your Mac from being updated to the latest macOS Sonoma 14.5, follow the steps below to download its installer package (InstallAssistant.pkg) to your Mac.

  1. Download a macOS Sonoma InstallAssisstant.pkg file.

    macOS Sonoma 14.5 Version InstallAssistant.pkg

  2. Click the InstallAssistant.pkg file and it will extract the “Install macOS Sonoma.app” file in the Applications folder.

run-installassistant-pkg-mac.png
  1. Double-click Install macOS Sonoma.app to launch the installer and follow the instructions to install macOS Sonoma 14.5 on another partition or your external drive.
find-macos-sonoma-installer-in-finder.png
Tip
You can also create a bootable USB for macOS Sonoma with the installer file and perform a clean install of macOS Sonoma on your Mac. Back up all your data before doing the clean install.

Bottom Line

This post provides a macOS Sonoma 14.5 free download and install guide. Now you can experience the newest macOS if you want. For more Mac and iPhone tips and solutions, you can visit Dr.Buho's official website.

Cassie has been writing about technology for her entire career life - over 5 years. She enjoys diving into how Apple products work and then breaking it down in a way anyone can understand.