Nov 29, 2017 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. Aug 04, 2017. MacOS Sierra 10.12 (Direct DMG download link) OS X El Capitan 10.11 (Direct dmg download link) OS X Yosemite 10.10 (Direct download link) New versions of MacOS installers are typically available through the Mac App Store, accessed through a computer that is compatible with the latest Mac system software release.
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
Mac Os X Youtube Downloader
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.
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. 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
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.
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 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.
These might also interest you:
YouTube covers various types of videos such as funny, sports, movies, music, etc. It is a platform that all of us like to spend time on. When you are browsing videos on YouTube, you can never understand how time flies. However, watching videos online requires a lot of data. If your network environment is unstable, videos may get stuck or buffered, which is crazy.
At this point, you may consider downloading YouTube videos to your computer for offline viewing. This is a good choice, but requires a third-party downloader and converter. There are many such software on the market, and if you don’t know which software is the best, we will share with you the ten best YouTube downloaders for Mac for you to choose from.
1. Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader
A popular YouTube downloader for Mac, 4K Video Downloader will allow you to overcome the artificial restrictions imposed by certain online services. You will be able to download any content that you desire from YouTube and store it for your own future usage. This software allows you to save complete YouTube playlists in various formats (such as MP4, MP3, FLV, MKV, M4A, etc.). It also has a unique feature that lets you subscribe to YouTube Channels from the app. All their latest videos will get downloaded automatically.
More importantly, it supports 720P HD, 1080P FHD, 4K and 8K UHD resolutions, which means that all the videos you download from YouTube will be of high quality. In addition, the software provides the ability to download system-translated and automatically generated subtitles. After downloading YouTube videos to your Mac computer, you can merge videos with subtitles for easy viewing with its built-in conversion function. As for how to use it, you may check the following simple steps:
- Step 1. Download and install Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader for Mac on your computer.
- Step 2. Go to YouTube, find the video that you’re ready to download then copy its link address.
- Step 3. Run the 4k downloader and paste the link into the program, select your desired resolution from the pop-up box, then tap Download.
- Step 4. Wait for the program to automatically download the YouTube video. After downloading, you will be able to enjoy it offline or share it wherever you like.
2. MacX YouTube Downloader
If you are looking for a YouTube video downloader that will not only get the job done but also perform it efficiently, the MacX YouTube Downloader is perfect for you. This software will enable you to download audio and video without spending a penny. The videos that you download from YouTube will be compatible with your Mac OS, which means that you will be able to revisit them later on.
The MacX software is extremely powerful, and the downloader feature will allow you to download YouTube videos to Mac in different formats and resolutions depending on your requirements. You can save your videos in formats like MP4, FLV, WebM and more.
The software is integrated with a user-friendly interface, and it will not be long before you know how to operate it. The advanced technology gives excellent speed and restricts quality loss.
3. ClipGrab for Mac
Mac X Downloader Free
One of the best YouTube video downloaders for Mac, ClipGrab offers its services for free. You will be able to download and convert videos that are available on YouTube. You will no longer be restricted to online usage of YouTube. The software will allow you to convert these videos into a variety of formats like MPEG4, MP3, and more with just a few clicks.
Macx Youtube Downloader Not Working
ClipGrab works very smoothly with Mac, and you will be able to master it without any difficulty. There are two versions of ClipGrab available for Mac. While the default version is compatible with macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) and above, the legacy version works with older systems making it somewhat more flexible. Once you’ve downloaded YouTube videos to Mac, you will be able to transfer them to your phone for easy viewing.
4.Gihosoft TubeGet
With the help of Gihosoft TubeGet, you can save YouTube videos to Mac easily. The software enables you to download an entire YouTube playlist along with the subtitles so that you can use them offline as well. Moreover, it also allows you to convert online YouTube videos into MP3 audio with precision. You can also use the Pro version if you want advanced features.
However, the basic version itself will allow you to download videos with resolutions up to 1080P, 4K and 8K for free without any difficulty. One of the main advantages of using this YouTube Video Downloader for Mac is that you don’t need a separate YouTube video converter as it can perform multiple tasks.
After downloading, you can transfer the all videos to your mobile devices at once. You can also back up your data to avoid losing any media content.
5. YTD for Mac
YTD is a well-known YouTube video downloader for Windows and Mac operating systems. With it, you can quickly download your favorite YouTube videos to your computer for offline viewing anytime, anywhere. YTD for Mac is very easy to use and has a friendly interface. All you have to do is copy and paste the video link into the software and it will do the rest for you automatically.
YTD supports downloading 720P and 1080P HD videos. If you encounter space problems, you can also opt for lower quality. The software also allows you to track the download status and then instantly convert it to the desired format. There are many preset modes compatible with iPod and iPad. If you want to download and convert simultaneously to save time, you need the Pro version. The YTD video downloader also supports batch downloading.
6. Airy YouTube downloader
If you are wondering how to download YouTube videos to Mac, then this is the software that you need in your life. It will allow you to download and save all your favorite videos without any hassle. The software can run multiple downloads at the same time. Moreover, you have the flexibility of choosing the format and resolution of the downloaded video.
With the help of this YouTube video downloader for Mac you will be able to download YouTube playlists and create your own offline playlists that can be played even in the absence of an Internet connection. Airy offers customization settings which will allow you to tweak the final video so that it meets your quality standards.
Best Free Youtube Downloader Mac
There are no videos out of your reach when you are using Airy. Moreover, you will be able to download the accompanying subtitles of the videos in SRT format.
7. MediaHuman
MediaHuman is the most efficient video downloader and converter on the market. This software lets you download all videos that may be of interest on YouTube so you can save them offline. The program will quickly complete the process, after which there will be no restrictions on your YouTube viewing. Moreover, it allows simultaneous downloads, which means that you will be able to save a significant amount of time.
The free YouTube downloader for Mac is compatible with ultra-high-resolution videos such as 4K and 8K.With MediaHuman, you can save complete playlists and even channels on your device. It also allows you to extract audio from the video and store it as a separate MP3 file. If you can configure the software properly, it will automatically transfer the downloaded videos to your iTunes library.
8. 5KPlayer – Download & Play
If you want to save a Youtube video to Mac, then you do not have to work hard as long as you have this software. The 5KPlayer will allow you to download as many online YouTube videos as you want for free. It can also capture streaming media in real time, capturing the moments that you might want to revisit later.
You can expect the software to run smoothly on your Mac, and there will be no unnecessary crashes. You will be able to download the videos in different formats and resolutions according to what you are looking for.
Along with conversion, you can edit the videos without losing the quality of the video. All the videos will run smoothly on your iPhone and iPad once the transfer is complete. You have nothing to worry about!
9. Total Video Downloader
The hunt for the perfect downloader ends today with the Total Video Downloader. Not only is it easy to use, but it also offers high-speed downloads, which means that you will save both time and effort. With this free YouTube video downloader for Mac, you will be able to download your favorite YouTube videos to the Mac computer in different resolutions and formats. You should not underestimate the speed offered by this software. All your videos will be downloaded and stored at 4x speed.
In order to use the YouTube downloader for Mac, you just have to copy the link to the video and then paste it into the program so that the software can start the download process. You will have the freedom to pause and cancel current downloads, which would make it easier to manage time. Preserve the original quality of the videos with Total Video Downloader.
In order to use the YouTube Downloader for Mac, you just need to copy the link to the video and then paste it into the program so that the software can start the download process. You are free to pause and cancel the current download, which will make it easier to manage time. Use Total Video Downloader to preserve the original quality of the video.
10. AllMyTube for Mac
If you want to download your favorite videos from YouTube and watch them offline in your free time, then nothing should stand in your way. With AllMyTube video downloader Mac, you will be able to download and store any video that you like without any trouble. The software works perfectly with the Mac OS. You will be able to enjoy beautiful 4K videos even after you complete the download.
Macx Downloader
With just one click, you can download entire playlists and channels. All you have to do is copy the URL of the video that you are aiming to download. You can also record YouTube live streams in real time. With AllMyTube, you will also be able to convert videos directly. You can extract the audio and convert them into audio files, or you can experiment with over a hundred video formats.
Youtube Macx Downloader
Conclusion
No ads, buffers, and data consumption! Download a free YouTube video downloader from our list to watch your favorite videos offline smoothly on Mac, Android, iPhone or other devices. If you are not sure which one to choose, you can try Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader first. It covers almost all the functions you need. With one software, you can experience all the features such as downloading videos, playlists, channels, subtitles, covers, and converting videos to MP3, etc. If you find this article useful, please share it with your friends; if you find a better YouTube video downloader for Mac than mentioned in our list, please leave a message in the comment area, we will be glad to add it to the list.