Learn how to download full macOS installers for free, including Tahoe and older versions, create bootable USB drives, reinstall or downgrade macOS, and fix common installer issues.
Looking for a free download of macOS installers? This guide explains how to download macOS, OS X, and Mac OS X full installers for free, including the latest macOS 26 Tahoe, macOS 15 Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, and older versions.
Whether you want to reinstall macOS, create a macOS bootable USB, downgrade to an older system, or install macOS on a new SSD, the easiest way is to use EaseUS Partition Master for Mac, a free macOS installer downloader and USB installer creator.
This tool allows you to:
You can use EaseUS Partition Master for Mac to download and install macOS installers for the following versions:
With EaseUS Partition Master for Mac, you can easily reinstall macOS on a crashed or wiped Mac, create a bootable USB for a clean install, or download full macOS installers and dmg files, including older versions like Catalina, Mojave, and High Sierra. It also allows you to install macOS on a new SSD or external drive, and even helps advanced users prepare macOS files for Hackintosh setups.
Steps to Download macOS Using EaseUS Partition Master for Mac:
Note: This procedure will automatically erase your USB drive to a compatible format. Due to all data on the USB drive will be erased during the process, create a backup if needed.
Step 1. Connect an external disk like a USB drive to your Mac.
Step 2. Launch EaseUS Partition Master for Mac and navigate to the macOS Installer Creator.
Step 3. Select the macOS you want and the tool will download it from Apple automatically. Also, you can use the local pkg package if you already have one on your device.
Step 4. Then, select the target USB drive to create a bootable media.
Step 5. Finally, perform the operation and wait patiently till the macOS installer is created successfully.
Step 6. Once the bootable installer creation is completed, you can restart your Mac from the USB drive for new macOS installation.
For Apple Silicon Macs:
For Intel Macs:
This software is not just a disk utility; it also acts as a macOS installer downloader and USB installer creator with these advantages:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅Free download of macOS full installers | Supports .pkg, .dmg, .app, ISO formats |
| ✅Create bootable macOS USB drives | For clean install, system recovery, or macOS reinstallation |
| ✅Supports macOS downgrade & reinstall | Install older macOS without App Store or firmware blocks |
| ✅Works on Intel & Apple Silicon Macs | Fully compatible with M1/M2/M3/M4 chip Macs |
| ✅Offline installation supported | No need for Internet once USB installer is created |
| ✅Simple interface & step-by-step wizard | Beginner-friendly, no Terminal commands required |
Continue to read and learn the manual ways to learn how to download and create macOS installer.
There are multiple ways to download a macOS installer, but not every method is suitable for every user. Here, we focus on two primary approaches:
These two methods cover most use cases:
Don't hesitate to share this post and help more users download the latest macOS version, like macOS 26 Tahoe.
Works for macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, and Sierra.
Steps:
The installer will be saved to your Applications folder. The installer will open automatically, or you can run it later from your Applications folder. Quit the installer if you only want the file and don't want to install it immediately.
This method gets the full 5–15 GB installer directly from Apple's servers. Note that it requires macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later. Also, make sure you enter the correct command lines in case of data loss.
Here is how to download the macOS installer using Terminal:
Open Terminal (Click Applications and select Utilities). Enter one of these commands:
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 15.0
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.7
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 13.6.7
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 12.7.6
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer
After downloading, it's saved in Applications as .app.
If download fails or pauses, try:sudo softwareupdate --reset-ignored
If you are going to update to macOS 26 Tahoe, check the following post from Reddit to help.
My Experience with macOS (Tahoe / macOS 26 Update) - Regret Updating!
byu/Judgmental_ inMacOS
Downloading a macOS installer doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're reinstalling macOS, creating a bootable USB, or downgrading to an older version, you can start either with a one-click tool like EaseUS Partition Master for Mac or use Apple's official App Store and Terminal methods. Just make sure your Mac is compatible with the version you're downloading and that you have enough storage space before starting. Once the installer is saved in your Applications folder, you're ready for a clean install, recovery, or upgrade online or completely offline.
1. What is the latest macOS version?
macOS Tahoe (version 26) is the twenty-second and latest major release of Apple's macOS operating system. As the successor to macOS Sequoia (version 15), it was officially announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025, where Apple also released the first developer beta on the same day. The public stable version was officially launched on September 15, 2025.
2. Can I download old macOS versions like Catalina or Mojave?
Yes. You can get them from the Mac App Store if they're still available, or download full installers (.dmg / .app / .pkg) using Terminal or third-party tools if Apple no longer lists them.
3. Why is my macOS installer only a 20–50 MB file?
That's a stub installer, not the full installer. Stub versions download additional files during installation. To get the full 5–15GB installer, use Terminal or a tool like EaseUS Partition Master for Mac.
4. Can I create a macOS bootable USB from Windows?
Yes, but it's more complex. You'll need a macOS .dmg or .pkg file and tools like BalenaEtcher, TransMac, or Rufus. Using a Mac is still the easiest and most reliable way.
5. Where are macOS installers saved after downloading?
They are stored in Applications > Install macOS [version].app. If you don't want to install immediately, just quit the installer and keep the file.
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