How To

How To download and Install macOS Catalina On Your Mac?

If you are wondering about macOS Catalina or you might have heard about it. Well, finally Apple Inc. has officially released the macOS Catalina for the users. Now, you can download and install macOS Catalina 10.15 on your mac for free.

After the macOS Catalina beta, now Apple has released the final version of Catalina 10.15.

Like all the previous versions, with installing Catalina you can experience the new features, new UI and can expect better performance from it.

download and install macOS Catalina

Before to start macOS Catalina’s installation, we need to perform a few things to make sure that there won’t be any kind of interruption.

  • System Compatibility
  • Backup of your data
  • Internet to download file
  • Apple ID

System compatibility

Before downloading the Catalina, you will need to check either the software you are going to install is compatible with your system? These are the systems who are compatible with macOS Catalina. It means that you can run macOS on them.

MacBook from 2015 or later

MacBook Air from 2012 or later

MacBook Pro from 2012 or later

Mac Mini from 2012 or later

Mac Pro from 2013 or later

iMac from 2012 or later

All the models of iMac Pro are compatible

You will also need to check that you have at least 12-18 GB of free storage. However still, if your system is not compatible with macOS Catalina, then you can upgrade to macOS Mojave.

Have a backup

backup your file with time machine

Here we are going to perform a clean installation of macOS Catalina 10.15. However, you can also just upgrade to macOS Catalina. Upgrading to Catalina can save all those apps with their settings in your system. and can also save you lots of time.

Still, we would recommend you to perform a clean installation, as it decreases the risk of full storage, corrupt files, and many other issues. You can store them on any external drive or any cloud storage.

Warning: While performing the cleans installation of Catalina, you might lose your files.

Internet Connection

internet connection

You will need to change your internet connection from Wi-Fi to Ethernet. Wi-Fi can increase the chance of internet connection error. Internet is required cause you will need to download the macOS Catalina file.

Apple ID

Apple ID

Know your Apple ID, as it will be needed while installing macOS Catalina.

As now all of the tasks which were given are completed. So now you are ready to install macOS Catalina on your system.

Installation

To install macOS Catalina on your mac you will need to follow these simple and easy steps. Please stick with us until the end to avoid any kind of installation problem.

  1. Download Catalina file
download macOS Catalina

The first step is to download macOS Catalina for the installation. To download the macOS Catalina file, you will need to go to Apple Store and type “Catalina” on the Search bar. Now, click on Catalina and download the file. The downloading speed may vary, as it is directly proportional to your internet speed.

2. Exit installation

exit installer

While the download is completed, the next step should be followed. Which is to exit the installation by selecting the Quit Install macOS option in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

3. Go to terminal

The third step is to plug in your USB flash drive. Then you will need to open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. Open the Terminal and type in the terminal window “Sudo “(the Sudo should be followed with a space in the end).

4. Package details

In this step go to Finder and click on applications. Then find Install macOS Catalina and right-click on it. Now, Show Package Contents will appear and you will need to select it.

5. Put the software address

A Contents folder will appear open it and navigate to Resources > Createinstallmedia. Now drag the createinstallmedia file into the terminal window. Here type “—Volume ”(the –Volume should be followed with space).

6. Put the USB drive address

put USB directory

In this step go to Go > Go to the folder option in the top menu bar. Then type “/Volumes” then click go.

You will find your USB drive listed here which you can now drag to the terminal window too.

7. Create bootable Catalina

create bootable macOS Catalina

Now, all the commands are typed in the terminal. So, follow the next step by pressing Enter and you face your mac asking for your password. Type your mac’s password and then type “Y” with an Enter button. Your mac will start to create a bootable Catalina.

8. Reboot

Now, your USB will be formatted then it will create a bootable Catalina. It might take some time to perform the actions after it is done, now restart your Mac.

9. Boot menu

The next step is to go to the boot menu, which can be done by pressing the Option key while rebooting. Soon you will face the menu to install macOS Catalina. Use the arrow or mousepad to choose macOS Catalina.

10. Installation

Now, the reset is to install macOS Catalina on your mac. Here is a video of installing macOS Catalina on your mac. It will lead you to the rest of the installation process.

About the author

Admin

Hey, it's your Admin. I am a tech enthusiast who is trying to improve his skills to help others. My goal is to provide solutions to different software and operating systems. If you are having any kind of problem with tech and need assistance then I am here for you.

Leave a Reply