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vpaezg
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

How do I obtain the macOS Catalina installer?

How do I get Catalina installer



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Catalina Installer

Posted on Nov 1, 2026 7:01 PM

1 reply

MartinR
User level: Level 7 (27,833 points)

Nov 1, 2026 7:24 PM in response to vpaezg

See How to download and install macOS - Apple Support


Note that you can only download it on a Mac that is capable of installing/running macOS Catalina. Catalina is compatible with these Mac models:

  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)


"or newer" in this case has a limit of roughly November 2020 when Big Sur was released; Macs delivered after that date came with Big Sur or a later version of macOS preinstalled ... and Catalina & earlier versions of macOS cannot be installed or run on them.


Catalina technical specs are available here -> macOS Catalina - Technical Specifications - Apple Support



Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256387262