Create a Bootable USB Stick from an Older Version of macOS
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 7 Steps
Got an error saying ‘This version of OS X/macOS cannot be installed on this computer’? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered! Let’s walk through how to make a bootable USB for that old macOS version. Whether it’s a trusty laptop or a desktop that’s stuck in the past, this guide will get you moving again. Just follow the steps below, and if things get tricky, feel free to schedule a repair for some extra help. Let’s make that old OS work like a charm!
Step 1
– Head over to https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211683 and grab the OS version you want to install.
Step 2
– Double-click on InstallMacOSX.dmg to open it up.
– Then, give a double-tap on InstallMacOSX.pkg to start the process.
– The installer will kick into gear and run smoothly from here.
Step 3
– If you don’t see the message: “This version of OS X/macOS cannot be installed on this computer,” then you’re good to go!
– Just wait until the installation finishes, and then check out this guide on creating a bootable USB drive.
– If the error does pop up, no worries, just skip ahead to the next step.
Step 4
– Close the installer and simply drag that InstallMacOSX.pkg file right onto your Desktop like it’s a breeze!
Step 5
– Fire up your Terminal and type in: ‘cd Desktop’ – easy, right?
– Next, enter: ‘pkgutil –expand ~/Desktop/InstallMacOSX.pkg FolderName’ (Feel free to name the folder whatever you like, make it your own!)
– Boom! A folder with the name you picked will pop up right on your Desktop, ready to go.
Step 6
– First up, find that folder that popped up on your desktop and give it a click!
– Next, grab the files from right here: https://github.com/ThonyF/iFixitTutoCrea…
– Now, look for the macOS version that matches the installation you want to do, and swap out the distribution file in that newly created folder.
Step 7
– You’ve nailed it! Well done!
– If you need help, you can always schedule a repair