If it has a different name, replace MyVolume in these commands with the name of your volume. These assume that the installer is still in your Applications folder, and MyVolume is the name of the USB flash drive or other volume you're using.
Make sure that it has at least 12GB of available storage and is formatted as Mac OS Extended. Connect the USB flash drive or other volume that you're using for the bootable installer.Use the 'createinstallmedia' command in Terminal You will create the bootable installer from this app, not from the disk image or.
It installs an app named Install OS X El Capitan into your Applications folder. On a Mac that is compatible with El Capitan, open the disk image and run the installer within, named InstallMacOSX.pkg. Enterprise administrators, please download from Apple, not a locally hosted software-update server.Įl Capitan downloads as a disk image. Important: To get the correct installer, download from a Mac that is using macOS Sierra 10.12.5 or later, or El Capitan 10.11.6. If the installer opens after downloading, quit it without continuing installation. Installers for each of these macOS versions download directly to your Applications folder as an app named Install macOS Catalina, Install macOS Mojave, or Install macOS High Sierra. MacOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, or macOS High Sierra
Download macOSįind the appropriate download link in the upgrade instructions for each macOS version: You don't need a bootable installer to upgrade macOS or reinstall macOS, but it can be useful when you want to install on multiple computers without downloading the installer each time. These advanced steps are primarily for system administrators and others who are familiar with the command line. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published. The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. If you have issues, we have an extensive guide that addresses tips to fix when Mac Recovery Mode is not working. Select the bootable installer as the startup disk, and follow the instructions. When you hear the startup sound or see the Apple logo, immediately press and hold the Option key. Next, click on the Apple logo from the top left and choose Restart. Make sure the USB drive is connected to the Mac. Note: If you have a Mac with T2 Security Chip (that is, Macs introduced in 2018 or later), first follow this guide to allow booting from external media.Īfter you create the bootable USB drive, the process to install it is simple. Even if it is stuck at 0% or 10% for long, do not quit the Terminal window. However, copying will take considerable time. The USB drive will be erased first, and then installer files will be copied to it.
(While typing password in Terminal, you won't see stars or typing confirmation.
How to Create a Bootable macOS Catalina Installer Drive Your Mac should be compatible with macOS Catalina.If there are files on it, copy it somewhere else as we will be completely erasing it.Make sure you have a USB flash drive with at least 16 GB capacity.
However, since macOS Catalina is the current stable release, let me show you how to make a bootable installer drive. You can follow the steps here to create a bootable disk for any available version. You may need a bootable macOS Catalina USB drive to cleanly install the operating system or downgrade the macOS beta version.