So, you've decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac's performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we'll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.
A list of all Mac OS X versions
I have an old, not for me actually, MacBook Pro which I purchased at the end of 2010. I was expecting Apple won't drop the support of Mojave for MacBook Pro 2010 model, at least not for this time. But I was wrong. The latest Majove doesn't support it too. There is no need to worry. Even the oldest Windows 95 can be installed on Mac computer. Many Mac hard drives break down and stop working. If you are upgrading or replacing a Mac hard drive and you don't have an operating system, this video will.
We'll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it's good to know the basic macOS timeline.
Cheetah 10.0 | Puma 10.1 | Jaguar 10.2 |
Panther 10.3 | Tiger 10.4 | Leopard 10.5 |
Snow Leopard 10.6 | Lion 10.7 | Mountain Lion 10.8 |
Mavericks 10.9 | Yosemite 10.10 | El Capitan 10.11 |
Sierra 10.12 | High Sierra 10.13 | Mojave 10.14 |
Catalina 10.15 |
STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation
Given your Mac isn't new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have 'fuel' to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.
Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:
- Uninstall large unused apps
- Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
- Locate the biggest files on your computer:
Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren't comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic 'room cleaners'. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it's most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)
STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download
Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That's why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.
How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store
If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you'll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn't always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:
- Click the App Store icon.
- Click Purchases in the top menu.
- Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
- Click Download.
This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.
Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer
If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Microsoft office for mac home & business 2011 free download windows 10. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.
Purchase an older version of Mac operating system
You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.
Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8
The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.
How to get macOS El Capitan download
If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it's possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:
1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.
'I can't download an old version of Mac OS X'
If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don't expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.
But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac (or virtual machine) running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities.
After you've completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.
STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive
The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.
- Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
- Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
- Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
- Select external drive as a source.
- Enter your Apple ID.
Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down. Now that the installation file is 'captured' onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.
- Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
- Connect the external drive.
- Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.
Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.
How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions
If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina
Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).
Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version
If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.
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by Christine Smith • 2020-10-28 18:56:54 • Proven solutions
CD Burning is a usual task that every computer user should know. Well, you don't need to worry if you are new to the job and don't know how to burn a CD on a Macbook Pro. The term burning to a CD can contain things such as files, songs or programs, and their transfer onto a blank CD. This process is valid for both Windows as well as Mac computers. But, here, we will focus on Macbook Pro and see how the process can be completed in easy steps. The article will take you to a journey of some best software to use for burning a CD on a Macbook Pro, starting with our all-in-one effective software for the task.
Part 1. How to Burn a CD on a Macbook Pro with Best Program
The only efficient software compatible with both Windows and Mac is Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate). It can quickly burn media to different physical devices such as DVDs and CDs and that also with the same input it uses for conversion. While it's ripping feature allows you to extract the existing media from DVDs and CDs. It's called a Uniconverter because of its ability to be one of the best conversion tool fulfilling all your media conversion requirements within thousands of formats. Furthermore, its burning and ripping feature comes as a rescue if you are looking for a competent multi-purpose tool.
Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate)
Your Complete Audio and Video Toolbox
- Convert video to over 1000 formats like AVI, MKV, MOV, MP4, etc.
- Burn Audio files to CD easily on Windows/Mac.
- Work as a metadata management tool to edit video metadata files.
- Convert video to optimized preset for almost all of the devices.
- 30X faster conversion speed than other common converters.
- Edit, enhance & personalize your videos by trimming, croping videos, add subtitles and watermark, etc.
- Burn video to playable DVD with attractive free DVD template.
- Download or record videos from 10,000+ video sharing sites.
- Versatile toolbox includes GIF maker, VR converter and screen recorder.
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6
Here are the steps on How to Burn a CD on a Macbook Pro with Wondershare UniConverter.
Step 1 Install Wondershare UniConverter on Macbook Pro
Your first step begins with installing the Wondershare UniConverter software from the official site. It will take almost five to ten minutes to complete the overall installation.
Step 2 Select the option Toolbox and CD Burner
In this step, you need to click on the Toolbox option given at the top right corner of the UniConverter interface. Then, there comes a list of different tools the software supports. From these options, you need to select the CD Burner option to start the burning process.
Step 3 Add files (audio) You Wish to Burn
In this step, add the desired audios by clicking on + icon given over the software interface. Either you can add a single file or multiple files by clicking again on the + icon after the addition of one file.
Step 4 Choose Burner after Checking Audio Files and Click Burn
You will see the added audio files as above with details of artist, size, and name, etc. If you would like to remove any data, select it, then click the Delete button above it, and for adding more data, click on the + icon. When you are ready, insert a blank CD and click on the Burn button to complete the overall CD burning task. The indication bar given below will show you the CD storage space.
Part 2. How to Burn a CD on Macbook Pro with Other Programs
There are four different alternatives to Wondershare Uniconverter, albeit not similarly effective, but worth considering if you want fewer features in a program.
1. iTunes
iTunes is one of the best software to burn CDs on Macbook Pro. It is made to catalog and collect thousands of TV shows, songs, movies, and podcasts. The simple interface also lets you burn CDs free and fast. Given below are some steps to complete the task.
Step 1: Open iTunes from the application folder
In your Macbook Pro application folder, open the iTunes application.
Step 2: Create a playlist
In the next step, create a new playlist or select the existing one if already created on your Macbook Pro. Do not worry about the file size as the excess size will automatically get restricted during the burning process.
Step 3: Select Burn Playlist to Disc from the File menu
A new window will appear in which you have to check on Audio CD and Use Sound Check to begin the burning process. At last, click the Burn button given at the bottom right corner after inserting a blank CD.
Pros:
- It supports a wide range of music discovery
- Offline listening to music
Cons:
- Unstable CD burning process due to the nature of functions
- The cluttered interface is challenging to use
2. ExpressBurn
ExpressBurn is a free burning software for Macbook Pro. It will let you burn audio CDs, DVDs, MP3, BD, and much more. However, the software got developed specifically for burning CDs and DVDs.
The steps given below define how to burn a CD on a Macbook Pro.
Step 1: Download ExpressBurn
Firstly, install the free ExpressBurn software from the official link given above and choose the type of disc and select Create.
In the main interface, you need to choose the type of disc you want to burn. There are different options, such as MP3 CD, Audio CD, Data CD, etc. Then, select Create given below.
Step 2: Add folders or Files to Burn on CD
The next thing you have to do is to add files or folders within the ExpressBurn software to start burning after inserting the blank CD. After the selection of all data, click on Choose.
Macbook Pro Os List
Step 3: Choose the File System for Disc
After you choose the folder, go to File System options given at the top right corner and select the file system for your disc. Then, you have to configure disc options by going to Tools in the top menu.
Step 4: Select Burn CD Button
The last step is to select the Burn CD button given below, and the burning process will start.
Pros:
- Supports the burning of different formats
- Also, manage DVD chapters
- Free to use
Cons:
- Difficult to use interface
- May get ads in between
- App mostly gets freeze
3. Finder
Finder is an already installed application on Macbook Pro, which helps you find things or content on your Macbook Pro. Well, it can also burn CDs in the following way. See the steps given below.
Step 1: Select Folder in Finder
Open the Finder application and then visit the File menu and select New Burn Folder. Name this folder and drag and drop the files you want to burn to CD.
Step 2: Click the Burn Button
After dropping all the files in the folder, select the Burn Button. The burning process will begin while indicating the length size in the bar below.
Pros:
- Already installed application
- Helps to find things on Mac
- Simple and easy process
Cons:
- Do not support many formats
- Unstable
4. Burn
It is also a free alternative to the CD burning on Macbook Pro. The software is easy-to-use and able to burn different types of discs. Well, it can burn three types of drives, namely the Data, Video, and Audio. The steps given below will let you know how to burn CD on a Macbook Pro with Burn.
Step 1: Open Burn application
Download and install the Burn application from the official website.
Step 2: Select the Disc Type
Then, you need to choose the type of disc you want to burn to from the options, namely Data, Video, and Audio.
Step 3: Drag and Drop Files
Now, drag and drop the files you want to burn in the main window of Burn application.
Download Old Os Onto New Macbook Pro 13 Inch 2020
Step 4: Click Burn to start the burning process
After dropping your desired files into the main window, click on the Burn button given below.
Pros:
- Free software
- Easy user interface
Cons: How to update java on mac.
- May contain virus
- Unstable software with unknown ads shown in between
Conclusion
Macbook Pro Os Upgrade
MacBook Pro users often find it challenging to find suitable tools to burn CDs. Most of the tools available are either not compatible with Mac's latest versions or not competent enough to be used for the long term. However, we have managed to provide a review of the five best tools that explained how to burn CD on a Macbook Pro. All except Wondershare Uniconverter come with specific cons that may restrict you from using that software in future circumstances. Thus, we advise you to use Wondershare UniConverter once in your life and enjoy the exclusive features that are compatible with both Windows and Macbook Pro.