
- Make bootable usb for mac lion how to#
- Make bootable usb for mac lion install#
- Make bootable usb for mac lion update#
- Make bootable usb for mac lion download#
Make bootable usb for mac lion download#

If it's an older version of the macOS you want to run - such as Catalina - you can still get the installation files from the Mac App Store: You need to copy this installation file before installing on your Mac if you want to have access to it to make the boostable installer.
Make bootable usb for mac lion update#
If you are running Catalina then you could go to System Preferences and select Software Update and download Big Sur there (assuming your Mac is compatible with Big Sur - read Can my Mac run Big Sur?)ĭownload the installation files, but make sure you stop before clicking to install.

To get the installer for macOS Big Sur follow these steps:
Make bootable usb for mac lion how to#
We do have a dedicated article about How to download old Mac OS X and macOS versions. Below we'll look at how to get Catalina installers as well as how to get older versions of the macOS or even Mac OS X. How to get macOS installer filesĪs we said already, how you get the installation files will depend on the version of macOS you are running currently and the version you want the installer for. It goes without saying that you will need an internet connection to download the software and you may need it while installing the version of macOS if it needs to check for firmware or confirm your iCloud credentials. The Mac App Store is probably the easier option, but there can still be difficulties depending on which version of macOS your machine is running, and if you were hoping to grab older installation files that can be tricky - we have another article discussing how to get older versions of macOS. The installation filesĭepending on which version of macOS you are running, and the version you want to to install, you will either be able to get the installation files from Software Update in System Preferences, the Mac App Store, or you will have to obtain them from elsewhere. Note: If you have data on the drive that you plan to use you will need to transfer it to another drive, or get a new drive, as it will be completely formatted and erased. If you have an M1 Mac you might actally be better off with a Thunderbolt drive because there have been some issues with using USB drives with the M1 Mac. You'll also benefit from USB 3, or USB Type C - this may be your only choice if you have a newer Mac. We recommend a Flash memory stick, rather than a standard hard drvie, as it will be quicker. We recommend a 15GB (or more) drive - in fact more would be advisable: the installer for Big Sur was 13GB (and the actual installation takes up at least 35.5GB storage, so you'll need to allow for that on your Mac). Once you have those two things the process shouldn't take very long.
Make bootable usb for mac lion install#
There are two main things you'll need to make your bootable install drive: a USB stick (or a Thunderbolt drive) and the installation files.

What you need to make a bootable USB for Mac If you want to run macOS on an external drive, which is slightly different, we have a separate article.
