Restore Mac Os X After Download

And Mac OS 10.13/10.14 users must disable SIP on Mac firstly before you start to recover lost data. It is an easy operation on Mac, please follow these steps. Step 1 Firstly, go to reboot the Mac and press 'Command + R' keys simultaneously after you hear the startup chime, then you will boot OS X into 'Recovery Mode'. First you need to start your computer from macOS Internet Recovery. Here is how: Turn off your.

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

We’ll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it’s good to know the basic macOS timeline.

Cheetah 10.0Puma 10.1Jaguar 10.2
Panther 10.3Tiger 10.4Leopard 10.5
Snow Leopard 10.6Lion 10.7Mountain Lion 10.8
Mavericks 10.9Yosemite 10.10El Capitan 10.11
Sierra 10.12High Sierra 10.13Mojave 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:

  1. Click the App Store icon.
  2. Click Purchases in the top menu.
  3. Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
  4. 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

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.

Restore Mac Os X After Download

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.

  1. Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
  2. Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
  3. Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
  4. Select external drive as a source.
  5. 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.

  1. Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
  2. Connect the external drive.
  3. 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).

Restore

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:

Sep 09, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

“Sadly, my macOS got corrupted and its login screen does not appear. I am thinking about reinstalling Mac OS, but I am also wondering if I reinstall OS X will I lose my files?”

It is quite easy and straightforward to reinstall macOS using an in-built recovery mode. You don’t have to be a technical expert to do this task. That’s why a lot of Mac users use the recovery mode for reinstalling their OS. But, there is a question always going in their user’s mind when it comes to reinstalling OS X and it is that “does OS X recovery delete everything?”

So, if you’re also one of those users having the same concern, then you have come to the right page. Here, you will get to learn everything about reinstalling Mac in recovery mode and what to do if you end up losing your important files after reinstalling macOS in recovery mode.

Part 1. Will Reinstalling OS X Delete My Files?

Many users when they use internet recovery mode to reinstall Mac OS, some questions might come to their mind, such as “if I reinstall OS X will it delete everything” or “does internet recovery mode erase data”. Well, you need to first understand what is mac internet recovery is to know about answers to questions that are going in your mind.

1. What Is Mac Internet Recovery

Internet recovery is quite a helpful feature included in all OS X and macOS. The main principle of internet recovery is to troubleshoot OS X and restore the Mac system to its default settings. Moreover, internet recovery enables you to reinstall the macOS version when your interval drive is damaged and corrupt. It is also helpful if you’ve replaced your internet drive with a higher and new storage device, but you completely forgot to make a bootable version of your Mac OS X on USB media.

In case of internet recovery, your system downloads that macOS version that came with your specific Mac from Apple servers. Thus, it means you aren’t downloading the most recent macOS version with internet recovery. However, it effectively tests the hardware components and memory for any problems. Well, internet recovery mode allows you to:

  • Scan and repair your connected drives using Disk utility
  • Erase and reinstall macOS, which was factory-preloaded.
  • Restore your Mac system from a Time Machine backup.
  • Inspect your internet connectivity or connection.

2. What Is Reinstalling Mac OS

Well, reinstalling macOS in recovery mode can aid you in replacing the current problematic OS X with a clean version easily and quickly. Generally, you have to reinstall OS X for troubleshooting purposes. The answer to the question “does reinstall macOS erase everything” is that simple reinstalling OS X won’t delete your files either erase your drive or disk, making it perfect for troubleshooting.

You don’t have to erase your Mac unless you are giving or selling your Mac or having a problem that needs you to erase the data. Thus, reinstalling OS alone from Mac recovery mode doesn’t affect your data, files, user settings, apps, etc. It will only reinstall the fresh copy of OS X on your Mac.

If you are wondering how long does it take to reinstall OS X? Then, the short answer is it all depends on the speed of your internet connection and system.

Part 2. Data Loss during Reinstalling Mac in Recovery Mode

There is no doubt that basic reinstall Mac OS doesn’t erase your data, but that doesn’t mean at all your data and files are always kept safe. That’s why we recommended that you should back up your data before you reinstall macOS using recovery mode. You never know when you have to go through a data loss situation. Keep in mind that there is no chance of losing your files if you have already created a backup somewhere else.

You might don’t know that there are many factors that can cause data loss after reinstalling macOS. Here, we are going to list some of the factors you must know before you reinstall:

  • No backup: There are many Mac users who save their important data on the main hard drive without creating any backup of data. No doubt reinstalling macOS doesn’t cause data loss, but chances of losing data don’t go away completely. That’s why reinstalling without backup can make you face data loss.
  • Inaccurate operation: When it comes to reinstalling macOS, the chances are that you may perform inaccurate operations during the process, which can make you lose your important files. Sometimes, you fail to understand instructions on how to reinstall Mac OS X and skip a few steps and you end up losing your files.
  • System corruption: It might be the case that your Mac system gets corrupted or damaged. Thus, in such cases, the reinstalling process can erase your data on Mac first before it reinstalls the clean macOS version.
  • System Incompatibility: In some cases, if you encounter with system compatibility issue while reinstalling macOS, then there are chances of losing your data on Mac.
  • Other reasons: In the procedure of reinstalling OS X, there are many other factors, such as virus attack, sudden power failure on Mac, or Mac internet recovery error may lead to your data being lost.

Part 3: How to Recover Lost Files after Reinstalling Mac OS?

Well, does reinstall OS X delete files on your Mac? As we mentioned earlier, there are chances of losing your important files when you reinstall or upgrade OS X. There is no doubt that it is quite frustrating to lose your crucial files. Luckily, there is a reliable way available you can try to get back your lost files.

1. The Best File Recovery Software for Mac

You can get rid of your frustration of losing important files with the help of RecoveritData Recovery software for Mac to recover lost files after reinstalling the OS, no matter whether it is the latest or earlier macOS. When it comes to Mac OS X file recovery, among various options, we recommend that you should give a try to Recoverit data recovery software for Mac. With the help of this software, you can easily and effectively recover files you lost after reinstalling the Mac OS. It can help you to get back various types of files, such as photos, videos, documents, archives, etc.

Recoverit - The Best Word File Recovery Software

  • Recover Word documents from all storage devices like Mac.
  • Recover 1000+ types and formats of files in different situations.
  • Scan and preview the files before you recover them from MacBook hard drive.

In a case like recovering data after reinstalling Mac OS X or macOS, Recoverit data recovery software is sure to get back your lost data.

2. How to Recover Files on Mac in 3 Steps

You can get the Mac desktop folder or any other content back using Recoverit by following these steps.

Step 1: Select the Recycle Bin Recovery mode

Once the software is installed successfully on your Mac, run it. Now, you will be moved to the main interface of the software. Here, you need to choose the source hard drive location from where you’ve lost your files.

Step 2: Scan the Location

Now, the software will start an “All-around” scan on the chosen hard drive to look for the lost files. This process will take a few minutes.

Step 3: Preview and Recover

Once the scan completes, the software will display all files you can recover. So, choose those files you want to get back and hit on the “Recover” button.

Restore Mac Os X After Download Iso

In this way, you can easily get your documents that were disappeared back on Mac. In case if the quick scan was not able to fulfill your requirements, then you can do a deep scan as well. To do this, click on the “All-around Recovery” and wait as Recoverit would extract data from your Mac’s storage. While the deep scan would take more time than the quick scan, the results would also be far better.

Part 4. How to Prevent Losing Data When Reinstalling Mac?

Are you looking for tips for reinstalling Mac OS X without losing data? If so, here we have mentioned some tips and tricks that can help you to avoid losing data when reinstalling Mac.

  • The first and foremost tip is to back up your important files before you begin with the process of reinstalling macOS. It is the best way to prevent your data from being lost. You can back up your data using Time Machine backup or you can transfer your data to the external hard drive.
  • When you are reinstalling macOS, follow the instructions carefully and if you accidentally omit one step, then you might lose your data.
  • Before you reinstall the Mac OS X, make sure that you have enough space for the reinstallation process so that it won’t stop or pause due to insufficient space.
  • Make sure that your Mac is half or fully charged before you go for reinstalling macOS. Also, ensure that your system is connected to a reliable and strong internet connection.
  • Use Recoverit data recovery software for Mac if you end up losing your files. The software can help you to recover lost files after reinstalling Mac OS X.

Conclusion

Os X Recovery Disc

We hope that you now got an answer to your question - “does installing OS X delete everything”. The guide has covered all ins and outs of reinstalling Mac in recovery mode. We recommended Recoverit file recovery for Mac to users who want to recover files they get lost after reinstalling Mac OS X.

Video Tutorial on How to Boot Mac into Recovery Mode

What's Wrong with Mac

Recover Your Mac
Fix Your Mac
Delete Your Mac
Learn Mac Hacks