So, you’ve decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac’s performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we’ll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.

A list of all Mac OS X versions

Personally, I did it on my Mac Pro ’08 (MacPro3,1), which officially supports only OS X 10.11 „El Capitan“. With the „macOS High Sierra Patcher“ I managed to install the latest macOS (10.13). OS X Extracter and MacPostFactor are apps that guide you through patching and installing OS X El Capitan (10.11), Yosemite (10.10), Mavericks(10.9), or Mountain Lion (10.8) on your older Mac. This thread focuses on OS X Yosemite. MacPostFactor works for Mountain Lion, Mavericks, and Yosemite (certain Models).

• If you have NOT previously installed High Sierra, you can download and install this package (if running OS X 10.10 Yosemite or later) to install the latest BootROM version (you MUST reboot after installing the package to apply the firmware update). When installing, ensure your system is plugged in to power, or the update will not be installed.
• OS X El Capitan (10.11) on Unsupported Macs macOS Extractor and MacPostFactor are apps that guide you through patching and installing OS X El Capitan (10.11), Yosemite (10.10), Mavericks (10.9), or Mountain Lion (10.8) on your older Mac. Whilst it does lessen security somewhat, it is not the end of the world, and OS versions prior to El Capitan.
• Otherwise, you can simply skip these steps and install to your volume containg a previous version of OS X, and it'll do an in-place upgrade. When the installer boots, open Disk Utility. Select the disk or partition you want to install on, and erase it, ensuring to use Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as the filesystem type.

We’ll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it’s good to know the basic macOS timeline.

Cheetah 10.0	Puma 10.1	Jaguar 10.2
Panther 10.3	Tiger 10.4	Leopard 10.5
Snow Leopard 10.6	Lion 10.7	Mountain Lion 10.8
Mavericks 10.9	Yosemite 10.10	El Capitan 10.11
Sierra 10.12	High Sierra 10.13	Mojave 10.14
Catalina 10.15

STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation

Given your Mac isn’t new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have “fuel” to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.

Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:

• Uninstall large unused apps
• Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
• Locate the biggest files on your computer:

Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)

STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download

Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That’s why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.

How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store

If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you’ll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn’t always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:

1. Click the App Store icon.
2. Click Purchases in the top menu.
3. Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
4. Click Download.

This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.

Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer

If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.

Purchase an older version of Mac operating system

You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.

Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8

The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.

How to get macOS El Capitan download

If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it’s possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:

1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.

“I can’t download an old version of Mac OS X”

If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don’t expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.

But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac (or virtual machine) running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities.

After you’ve completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.

STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive

The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.

1. Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
2. Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
3. Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
4. Select external drive as a source.
5. Enter your Apple ID.

Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down. Now that the installation file is “captured” onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.

1. Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
2. Connect the external drive.
3. Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.

Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.

How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions

If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra

Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra

Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave

Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina

Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).

Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version

If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.

Any individual on the planet who knows anything about operating systems has an idea about Apple’s extraordinary macOS. What’s more, the significance is such that most of us can’t just get over it. No wonder, we are here to looking forward to downloading Mac OS X El Capitan 10.11 ISO and DMG files.

Well, I know you’ve been looking for a while. But don’t worry. Here you will find it all.

This article is perfect for anyone who’s looking for Mac OS X El Capitan ISO or DMG files. Mac OS X El Capitan features. Demo video. System requirements. Technical details or the process to install Mac OS X El Capitan ISO on their PC.

Hopefully, this article will help you. So, buckle up and read on now.

Why is Mac OS X El Capitan ISO Still Popular and Relevant?

It’s been over five years since the OS X El Capitan update was rolled out by Apple. Bringing about a series of useful changes and updates, Apple surely made a great impact on the computer market. But, it’s been five years, right?

A number of updates have come and gone after that. Then why do people still keep running after the Mac OS X El Capitan ISO and DMG files?

Why do they still want to use it?

The major reasons are the habit and compatibility.

A large number of MacBook and Mac users are still using old computers. Indeed, they do the work. They may still be performing at great pace, but are they present ready? Can they team up well with the latest features and technologies?

Not really. And even when an old MacBook manages to run the latest macOS, i.e., macOS Big Sur, it may not perform optimally after the update.

A major reason for people to avoid switching to Big Sur and picking Mac OS X El Capitan ISO or Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra ISO.

Moreover, Mac OS X El Capitan also had some great features, that you can find in the next section.

Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan Features

One of the first most important things that concern users about a software or/and operating system that they are about to use is its features.

And as you are here for macOS X El Capitan, we have your back. In this section you will get to read about the top Mac OS X El Capitan features.

• Cleaner Windows. A computer desktop is like a real desktop: When you’re busy, it can turn into a scattered mess. …
• Pin Sites In Safari. …
• Splitscreen on the Desktop. …
• Richer Notes. …
• Mute Noisy Tabs in Safari. …
• Metal forMac. …
• Spotlight Speaks Plain English. …
• Swiping Gestures In Mail.

Cool, right? Well, that’s not even it. There’s a bunch of few more useful Mac OS X El Capitan features that we will share at the end of this article. Till then, let’s learn about the system requirements that your PC needs to fulfill in order to run OS X el capitan.

Mac OS X El Capitan 10.11 ISO/DMG System Requirements

Another one of the most important things that every person who’s going to download and use an operating system must find out about is the system requirements for installing the OS.

• 2 GB of RAM
• 8 GB of storage space
• Intel-based Mac with a fast enough processor

So, does your PC satisfy these requirements? Well, I hope it does, because you are very close to the download files.

Os X Yosemite

Mac OS X El Capitan 10.11 DMG and ISO File Technical Details

So you don’t have to face any confusions while downloading and selecting the files after downloading, we are mentioning the technical details for the file. Here you will learn about the names of the files that we are offering here. Read on and find out.

• Technical name of macOS El Capitan ISO file: macOS_10.11_el_capitan.iso
• Technical name of macOS El Capitan DMG file: macOS_10.7_el_capitan.dmg

Sorted? Well, let’s move to the downloads section now.

Dosdude1 High Sierra Patcher

Mac OS X El Capitan 10.11 ISO and DMG Download Free

So, finally we are here. In the section that you’ve all been waiting for. So, let’s not waste any more time and just dive straight into the pool of Mac OS X El Capitan ISO and DMG download files that you’ve been waiting for.

• Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan ISO: [Click to Download]
• Also Check: Mac OS X Lion10.7 ISO
• Mac OS X 10.7 El Capitan DMG: [Click to Download]

Found what you wanted? We are glad to be of help. And we hope you really enjoy using the OS (or can fulfill whatever other purpose you had behind downloading Mac OS X El Capitan ISO).

Mac OS X El Capitan ISO and DMG Installation Process

Downloaded successfully? Well, even if it’s in progress, how would it harm to find out the ultimate process? Yes, we are talking about the installation process for mac os x el capitan ISO and DMG files’ installation process.

Os X El Capitan Download

So, as the files download, read below to have an idea about how the download process commences and finishes.

For ISO Files:

• Download the 7-Zip Extractor
• Downloading the Windows ISO files.
• Unzip and extract these ISO files
• Burn the extracted files onto a bootable device (generally a DVD) which you can use for installation

For DMG Files

• Double click the DMG to make its content available (name will show up in the Finder sidebar), usually a window opens showing the content as well.
• Drag the application from the DMG window into /Applications to install (may need an administrator password)
• Wait for the copy process to finish.
• Initiate the Installation process.

Easily understandable? Perfect. Let’s move ahead to have a look at the Mac OS X El Capitan’s demo video.

Alternative Method to Install Mac OS X El Capitan ISO

Tried installing Mac OS X El Capitan ISO from the above method, but it didn’t work? Don’t worry. We have another one for you.

1. Download the macOS X El Capitan ISO file and don’t let it run automatically.
2. Make a copy of the El Capitan ISO (10.11) on a disk or flash drive. Make sure the drive has enough capacity. The driver will require over 5 GB of empty space. (You can also use Dishmaker for this process).
3. Put the flash drive into your mac’s USB port and turn the mac on.
4. Immediately hold down the option key. You will see the screen where you can choose a startup disk
5. Click on the flash drive and continue.
6. A minimal work screen will pop up. From this screen click Disk Utility.
7. Choose the flash drive’s name, click partition on the right side.
8. Go to the drop-down saying “Current” and change it to the number of partition drives that you want to create.
9. This will unlock the options button at the bottom.
10. Now click options and choose the radio button for GUID.
11. At this point, click OK.
12. Click Apply.

Once you have followed the above steps, your mac OS X El Capitan ISO will be ready for installation. Just move ahead and enjoy.

macOS X El Capitan 10.11 Demo Video

As all of you may not have come here for downloading mac os x el capitan iso and installing it on your pc, we understand your interests that lie in getting a sneak peak inside the mac os x 10.11 to find out how it used to look.

Well, nothing to worry as we have that information too. All you need to do is watch and learn.

Fantastic, right? Well, let’s move to the last section of this article — key features of mac os x el capitan.

Mac OS X El Capitan Top Features

As promised above, here are the key features of mac os x el capitan. REad through and you’ll fall in love.

• Improved multi-window management
• Revamped Notes app
• Metal graphics technology
• Pinned Sites and Tab Mute for Safari

Sounds great, right? Well, try using and you will know the real power.

Anyway, this was all about mac os x el capitan iso and dmg files. Hopefully, this was helpful. Stay in touch for more such content.