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.

• Download El Capitan ISO is developed for Mac OS users. This provides smoother and faster features to your Mac OS. If you are in need to download this amazing El Capitan iso you are in the right place. In this article, you will get to know how to Download El Capitan ISO, install this to your Mac OS and amazing features of this software.
• Carbon Copy Cloner 5 is compatible with Yosemite (10.10), El Capitan (10.11), Sierra (10.12), High Sierra (10.13), Mojave (10.14), Catalina (10.15) and Big Sur (11.). Note that while this version of CCC may work on OSes newer than Big Sur, we recommend that Big Sur+ users upgrade to CCC 6. We offer technical support for CCC 5.

Software for OS X 10.11. 6.1 Top Video Editor for Mac OS X 10.11. 6.2 Top Movie Maker Tools for Mac OS X El Capitan. 6.3 Free DVD Converter for Mac OS X 10.11. 6.4 Free Music Downloader for OS X El Capitan. 6.5 Free Streaming Audio Recorder.

A list of all Mac OS X versions

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

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.

Contents

2. El Capitan Features

3. El Capitan Download & Install

4. OS X 10.11 Problems

5. Mac OS X 10.11 Tips

6. Software for OS X 10.11

7. Compare OS

In July, Mac has released their newest beta OS, El Capitan. While users still might experience a few bugs until the official version is released this fall, many of us are quite happy with the overall experience and all the new features. To make the experience even better, there are numerous apps available for the OS. Whether you want to increase productivity, organize your day better or find a great media player, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top 10 picks of the greatest and most indispensable software for Mac OS X El Capitan.

Top 13 Must-have Software for Mac OS X 10.11

#1. Recoverit (IS)

Recoverit (IS) recovers almost all kinds of files from multiple devices. You can use this powerful Data Recovery to recover your images, video or audio files, ducuments and archives etc. It is also available on Mac computers, video players, USB, hard drive, digital camera, and memory card. This Data Recovery provides the easiest, fastest and safest solution to recover your data lost by accidental deletion. You are allowed to preview your files before recovery. The recovery process is extremely easy and every one can use it without difficulty.

#2. Wunderlist

It can’t hurt to have a great to-do app, but finding one that is actually great for you is harder said than done (trust me, I’ve been there). Wunderlist is probably the best one out there, because of its versatility. Whether you want to write a grocery list, manage work projects, create a schedule or set a reminder for that important business meeting next week, Wunderlist has got you covered. The interface isn’t cluttered and difficult to navigate, so organization will be easier than ever. To me, this is an app I couldn’t function without. Plus, it allows you to share lists with family or colleagues and is available on pretty much every platform. You can set reminders, due dates, add hashtags, notes or print your schedule with just a few clicks. That’s power, right there.

Price: Free ($4.99 for the Pro version)

#3. 1Password

Do you know that feeling when you have so many accounts or email addresses that you eventually forget what the password is for every one of them? I do, which is the reason why I love 1Password so much. It keeps all of your passwords in one place, so you’ll never have to click that embarrassing “I forgot my password” button again. There are a lot of similar apps available, but I opted for this one because of its overall simplicity. In El Capitan, 1Password might experience slight display glitches, but other than that, it works fine.

Price: Free ($69.99 for the Full version)

#4. iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe for Mac

iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe for Mac is an all-in-one video converter that converts an audio or video media file to virtually any format. In this case, this can be a very helpful tool that allows you to convert your video files from or to any other format. You can not only convert various video formats files, but also be able to make and manage distinctive videos. This powerful Converter allows users to crop, trim or rotate video before conversion. The converting process is so simple that even beginners can use it in no time.

Price: $59.95

#5. Mailbox

Going through your emails is often like running through a maze – you get lost in junk mail, subscriptions, newsletters and personal emails, so sometimes, you overlook a few important messages. Mailbox is only one of email management apps, but, unlike most of the others, it’s already available for El Capitan. With mailbox, you get an iPhone-like experience; you can swipe right and left to delete or mark your emails, it has a bunch of useful features and a fast and visible interface.

Price: Free

#6. MalwareBytes

Every computer needs a good anti-virus protection. MalwareBytes has over 200 million downloads, so it must be doing something right. It’s simple to use, while still effectively protecting your Mac from those dangerous Trojans, worms, spyware, rogues and whatnot. Protecting your computer is definitely something every user should invest in, so if you haven’t downloaded it by now, get right onto it.

Price: Free ($25.54 for the Premium version)

#7. Caffeine

This tiny little app prevents your Mac from automatically going to sleep and starting screen savers. Although it doesn’t do anything groundbreaking, it’s pretty useful for users and that’s why I love it. After installation, you’ll see a little coffee cup at the top of you menu bar – when you click it, Caffeine will be active, but you can turn it off just as easily. Plus, it’s free, so if you decide you don’t want it anymore, you won’t shed any tears over the price.

Price: Free

#8. CoconutBattery

CoconutBattery allows you to see everything you need to know about your battery’s life: how often it was charged, how much time you have before you need to charge it again, current capacity in comparison to when it was new, its age and so much more. It doesn’t take up much space on your Mac, but is really useful.

Price: Free (they accept donations, though)

#9. Colloquy

Have you been searching for that perfect messenger to communicate with people? If so, this is the best choice you can make. Usually, Mac’s chat apps aren’t very easy on the eyes, but Colloquy is the exception. It’s really simple, clean and easy to use and has a feel of a high-quality Mac app. Plus, it’s available on mobile, as well. It has a sleek interface and you can customize the look of it however you like. It also includes a dictionary and emoji’s, so communication will be really easy.

Price: Free

#10. Fantastical 2

This is probably one of the best, clearest and most user-friendly calendar programs out there. It allows you to import your schedule, organize your tasks in different categories (family, work, personal etc.) and all of it will be reachable and easy to navigate. You can also set reminders and have 2 different themes to choose from – Dark and Light. Fantastical 2 is the Holy Grail of calendars, trust me on this.

Price: $39.99

#11. Filmora Video Editor

For those who needs a tool for video editing, Filmora Video Editor is by far the most powerful and useful video editor. This software allows users to convert video clips into movies a lot faster. You can also create a timed movie with background music, professional effects and smooth transitions. With Filmora Video Editor, you can edit and personalize your video and audio files with ease.

Price: $39.95

El Capitan Software Download

#12. CleanMyMac 3

Download Mac Os X El Capitan

This is a software useful to anyone with a Mac. Most of us have a lot of apps or old files we don’t really need anymore, but can’t quite bring ourselves to delete them. That’s where CleanMyMac 3 comes in. Hey, did you know that every time you rotate a photo or make any sort of change to it, your computer automatically creates a copy of it? Now, how many unnecessary files is that? A lot. With this program, you can choose which folders you want scanned, so broken downloads, old updates, file copies or old email attachments won’t eat up your disk space anymore. Call it a spring clean, but every computer need a cleanup every now and then.

Price: Free (€39.95 for the full version, €59.95 for 2 Macs, €89.95 for 5 Macs)

Download El Capitan 10.11

#13. Deliveries

Now if you are big on online shopping like me, you’ll love this app. It will be located on the bottom of your screen and show you the status of your purchases. Whether you’re waiting on the latest gadget, a piece of clothing or a new book that you can’t wait to read, with Deliveries, you’ll be able to track your shipment. If you click a particular delivery, it will display more information and there’s also a countdown timer, so you’ll always know how much more you need to wait until you get your hands on an anticipated product. It’s compatible with more carrier services, like FedEx, DHL or City Link.

Price: $4.99