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How to Get macOS 10.13 High Sierra: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to get your hands on macOS 10.13, affectionately known as High Sierra. The direct answer is this: You can download macOS High Sierra from the Apple website if your Mac is compatible and you haven’t upgraded to a later operating system. This typically involves visiting the macOS High Sierra support page on Apple’s website and downloading the installer. However, there are nuances to this process and important considerations to keep in mind, particularly regarding compatibility and security. Let’s dive deeper into how to navigate these waters.

Checking Compatibility: Is High Sierra Right for Your Mac?

Before you even think about downloading, the first and most crucial step is checking if your Mac is compatible with High Sierra. Installing an incompatible operating system can lead to a bricked device, which is a nightmare scenario you definitely want to avoid.

Identifying Your Mac Model

To determine compatibility, you need to know your Mac model and year. This is surprisingly easy.

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
Select “About This Mac“.
A window will appear displaying your Mac model and year of manufacture. For example, it might say “MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)”.

Compatible Models

Here’s a list of Mac models officially compatible with macOS High Sierra:

MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

If your Mac is not on this list, unfortunately, you’re out of luck. Trying to force an installation is highly discouraged.

Downloading macOS High Sierra

Assuming your Mac passes the compatibility test, you can proceed with the download. Apple no longer directly promotes older macOS versions, so finding the installer requires a bit of digging.

Sourcing the Installer

The most reliable source is the Apple Support website. Search for “Download macOS High Sierra” on Apple’s website, and you should find a support article that provides a link to download the installer from the Mac App Store. It may also be available at other reputable software download sites; however, always exercise caution to avoid downloading corrupted or malicious files. Ensure the source is trustworthy before proceeding.

Preparing a Bootable Installer (Optional but Recommended)

For a cleaner installation, and if you plan on installing High Sierra on multiple Macs, consider creating a bootable installer. This requires a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage.

Once the installer is downloaded, locate it in your Applications folder.
Open Terminal (found in /Applications/Utilities/).
Use the createinstallmedia command. This command will vary slightly depending on the macOS version. For High Sierra, it typically looks like this:
```
sudo /Applications/Install macOS High Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install macOS High Sierra.app --nointeraction 
```
- Replace /Volumes/MyVolume with the actual name of your USB drive.
- You’ll be prompted for your administrator password.
This process will erase your USB drive and create the bootable installer. Back up any important data on the drive before proceeding.

Installing macOS High Sierra

Now comes the main event: installing the operating system.

Backing Up Your Data: A Non-Negotiable Step

Before you do anything else, back up your entire system. I cannot stress this enough. Use Time Machine or a third-party backup solution like Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! A backup ensures that you can restore your system to its previous state if something goes wrong during the installation process.

Performing the Installation

From the Installer: If you downloaded the installer, simply double-click it to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions.
From a Bootable Installer:
- Connect the bootable USB drive to your Mac.
- Restart your Mac and hold down the Option (⌥) key during startup.
- Select your USB drive from the boot menu.
- The installer will launch. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Important Considerations During Installation

Choose the correct destination drive. Make absolutely sure you are installing to your Mac’s internal drive.
Be patient. The installation process can take a considerable amount of time, sometimes up to an hour or more, depending on your Mac’s hardware.
Do not interrupt the installation. Interrupting the process can lead to data corruption and a non-functional system.

Post-Installation: Final Touches

After the installation is complete, there are a few things you should do.

Software Updates

Check for any available software updates by going to the App Store and clicking on the Updates tab. Install any available updates to ensure your system is running smoothly and securely.

Driver Compatibility

While macOS High Sierra includes drivers for most common hardware, you might need to update drivers for specific peripherals, such as printers or scanners. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for your devices.

Data Migration

If you performed a clean installation (which is often recommended for optimal performance), you will need to migrate your data from your backup. Use Migration Assistant, found in /Applications/Utilities/, to transfer your files, applications, and settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions regarding macOS High Sierra and its installation:

1. Is macOS High Sierra still supported by Apple?

No, Apple no longer provides security updates or support for macOS High Sierra. While it might still function on compatible hardware, it’s highly recommended to upgrade to a supported version of macOS for security reasons.

2. Why would I want to install macOS High Sierra in 2024?

There are a few potential reasons. Some older software might only be compatible with High Sierra. Additionally, older hardware might struggle with newer macOS versions, making High Sierra a viable option to keep the device functional. However, always prioritize security by upgrading when possible.

3. Can I dual-boot High Sierra with a newer macOS version?

Yes, you can dual-boot High Sierra with a newer macOS version. This involves creating separate partitions on your hard drive and installing each operating system on its respective partition. You can then choose which operating system to boot into at startup by holding down the Option (⌥) key.

4. What are the system requirements for macOS High Sierra?

The system requirements are essentially the same as the compatible hardware list (see above). In addition to a compatible Mac model, you need at least 2GB of RAM and 14.3GB of available storage space to upgrade.

5. Will upgrading to High Sierra erase my data?

Upgrading shouldn’t erase your data, but it’s always wise to back up your data before upgrading, just in case. A clean installation will erase your data, so be sure to migrate it afterward.

6. I’m having trouble downloading the installer from the App Store. What should I do?

First, ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try clearing your App Store cache or restarting your Mac. If the problem persists, you might need to try downloading the installer from a different network or at a different time. Sometimes, Apple’s servers can be overloaded.

7. My Mac is compatible, but the installer says it can’t be installed on my disk. Why?

This could be due to a number of reasons, including disk errors, incorrect partitioning, or an incompatible file system. Use Disk Utility (found in /Applications/Utilities/) to verify and repair your disk. Ensure your disk is formatted as APFS or macOS Extended (Journaled).

8. I’m stuck on the Apple logo during startup after installing High Sierra. What should I do?

This is a common issue. Try booting into Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key during startup. If you can boot into Safe Mode, it indicates a software issue. You might need to reinstall High Sierra or restore from your backup.

9. Can I upgrade directly from Snow Leopard (10.6) to High Sierra (10.13)?

No, you cannot upgrade directly from Snow Leopard to High Sierra. You would need to upgrade to an intermediate version of macOS first, such as El Capitan (10.11), before upgrading to High Sierra.

10. Is it possible to install macOS High Sierra on a Hackintosh?

Yes, it is possible to install macOS High Sierra on a Hackintosh (a non-Apple computer running macOS), but it requires significant technical knowledge and can be a complex process. There are numerous online guides and communities dedicated to Hackintosh installations. Be aware that installing macOS on non-Apple hardware violates Apple’s End User License Agreement.

11. How do I downgrade from a newer macOS version to High Sierra?

Downgrading typically involves erasing your hard drive and performing a clean installation of High Sierra from a bootable installer. This will erase all data on your drive, so a backup is absolutely essential. You cannot simply “uninstall” a newer macOS version.

12. Will my old applications work on macOS High Sierra?

Compatibility depends on the application. Some older applications might not be compatible with High Sierra. Check the application developer’s website to confirm compatibility before upgrading. 32-bit apps, in particular, may not function properly.

Getting macOS High Sierra might seem straightforward, but carefully considering compatibility and security is key. Remember to always back up your data and proceed with caution. Good luck!