Important: To get the correct installer, download from a Mac that is using macOS Sierra 10.12.5 or later, or El Capitan 10.11.6. If the installer opens after downloading, quit it without continuing installation. Installers for each of these macOS versions download directly to your Applications folder as an app named Install macOS Catalina, Install macOS Mojave, or Install macOS High Sierra. MacOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, or macOS High Sierra You don’t need a bootable installer to upgrade macOS or reinstall macOS, but it can be useful when you want to install on multiple computers without downloading the installer each time.įind the appropriate download link in the upgrade instructions for each macOS version: These advanced steps are primarily for system administrators and others who are familiar with the command line.