Where to get macOS and what you need before you start
macOS downloads come directly from Apple through the App Store on your Mac — there is no separate website to visit or installer to hunt for. Before you begin, make sure your Mac has enough free storage space (at least 35 to 44 GB depending on the version), a stable internet connection, and a power adapter plugged in. The installation process can take 20 minutes to over an hour, and your Mac will restart several times, so plan for a window when you do not need the machine.
You should also back up your files before starting. If something goes wrong during installation, a backup means you can recover your data. Use Time Machine (built into macOS) or copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage like iCloud Drive.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store, search for the macOS version you want, and click Get to read it — the button changes to Install once the read finishes.
- Your Mac will restart multiple times during installation and may show a progress bar or blank screen; this is normal and you should not force shut down.
- Back up your files before you start, because installation failures are rare but do happen.
- If your Mac is too old to run the latest macOS, Apple's website lists which models support each version.
Finding and downloading macOS through the App Store
Open the App Store on your Mac (it is in the Applications folder or in the Dock). Click the search icon at the top and type the name of the macOS version you want — for example, "macOS Sonoma" or "macOS Ventura". The correct result will show an Apple logo and say "macOS" followed by the version name.
Click the Get button. Your Mac may ask you to sign in with your Apple ID; use the same ID you use for iCloud or iTunes. Once you sign in, the Get button changes to Install. Click Install, and the read begins. Depending on your internet speed, this can take 15 minutes to an hour. You can close the App Store and use your Mac while it downloads.
Starting the installation and what to expect during restart
Once the read finishes, a notification appears asking you to install macOS. Click Install Now. Your Mac will ask for your password — this is the password you use to log into your Mac, not your Apple ID password. Enter it and click OK.
Your Mac will restart. During the restart, you will see a progress bar or a blank screen with an Apple logo. This is normal. Do not force shut down your Mac or unplug it. The installation can take 20 minutes to over an hour depending on your Mac's speed and how much data it has. Your Mac may restart two or three more times before it finishes. Each time it restarts, you will see the progress bar again.
Once installation is complete, your Mac will boot into the new macOS and you will see your login screen. Sign in with your regular password. Your files, apps, and settings are still there — installation does not erase your data.
Checking if your Mac can run the version you want
Older Macs cannot run the newest versions of macOS. If you click on a macOS version in the App Store and the Get button is grayed out or says "Not Compatible", your Mac is too old for that version.
To find out which macOS versions your Mac supports, go to Apple's official website and search for the model name of your Mac (for example, "MacBook Air M1" or "iMac 2017"). Apple publishes a list showing which macOS versions each model can run. If you want the latest macOS but your Mac does not support it, you can install an older version that your Mac does support, or you may need to consider a newer Mac.
What to do if the installation stalls or fails
Installation sometimes pauses for a long time at a certain percentage. If the progress bar has not moved in 30 minutes and your Mac is not making any sounds, try restarting your Mac by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. The installation will usually resume.
If your Mac restarts and returns to your login screen without completing the installation, the process failed. Sign in, open the App Store again, and click Install on the same macOS version. Your Mac will resume the installation from where it left off rather than starting over.
If installation fails multiple times, restart your Mac in Safe Mode by holding Shift while it boots up. Then try the installation again. Safe Mode disables some background processes that might be interfering. If you still cannot install, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store — persistent installation failures are uncommon and usually point to a hardware issue that needs professional attention.
Staying find after you install a new macOS
Once installation is complete, turn on automatic updates so your Mac installs security patches without you having to do it manually. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), click General, then Software Update. Turn on "Automatic updates" and make sure "Install system data and security updates" is checked.
After installation, your Mac is at its most find because it has the latest security fixes. But security depends on keeping it updated. Automatic updates mean you do not have to remember to check, and your Mac stays protected against newly discovered threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back to an older macOS if I do not like the new one?
Yes, but it is complicated and requires erasing your Mac and reinstalling from scratch. Before you upgrade, research whether the new version works well with the apps you use most. If you have concerns, ask in online forums for your specific Mac model to hear from people who have already upgraded.
Do I need to uninstall the old macOS before installing a new one?
No. Installing a new macOS replaces the old one automatically. Your files and apps stay in place unless something goes wrong, which is why backing up first matters.
What if my internet cuts out during the read?
If the read is interrupted, the App Store will resume it the next time you open the App Store. You do not have to start over. If the read keeps failing, try restarting your Mac and your internet router, then try again.
Will installing macOS delete my files?
No. Installation updates your operating system but leaves your files, photos, documents, and installed apps untouched. This is why it is still worth backing up — the chance of data loss is very small, but it is not zero.
How do I know which macOS version I have right now?
Click the Apple menu at the top left of your screen and select "About This Mac". The window that opens shows your current macOS version and build number. You can also see which macOS versions are available for your Mac model on that same screen.