How to get the macOS full installer from the App Store?
Jul 28, 2025 am 04:20 AM
To download the full macOS installer from the App Store, first ensure your Mac is compatible with the desired macOS version by checking System Settings > General > Software Update or Apple’s online compatibility list. Next, open the Mac App Store, search for the macOS version, click Get then Install, and immediately close the installer window to let the .app file download in the background. If that fails, use Terminal with mas-cli to trigger the download by installing Homebrew, running brew install mas, signing into the App Store via mas signin, searching for the macOS installer ID, and installing it using mas install [ID]. Alternatively, if you only need a bootable USB drive, use the built-in createinstallmedia command in Terminal with an existing macOS installer app to create one directly without downloading the full installer separately.
If you're looking to download the full macOS installer from the App Store, it's not always straightforward. Apple doesn’t always show a direct "Download" button for older versions of macOS, and sometimes even the latest version might behave unexpectedly. Here’s how to actually get the full installer without headaches.
Check if You’re Eligible for the Download
Before jumping into the App Store, make sure your Mac is compatible with the macOS version you want. Apple restricts downloads based on hardware models, so even if you click “Get” or “Download,” it might not proceed if your Mac isn’t supported.
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update to see what macOS updates are available.
- If you see an option to upgrade, that means your Mac is eligible.
- If not, double-check Apple’s compatibility list online for that specific macOS version.
Also, keep in mind that Apple only lets you download macOS installers directly through the App Store if you've previously downloaded them on that Apple ID or if they're still actively distributed.
Trigger the Installer Download Manually
Sometimes, clicking “Get” in the App Store just starts an automatic installation instead of downloading the installer. To prevent that and get the full .app file:
- Open the Mac App Store.
- Search for the macOS version you want (e.g., macOS Ventura, Monterey, Sonoma).
- Click Get then Install — don’t worry, it won’t start installing right away.
- Immediately after clicking Install, close the installer window.
- Open Applications and look for the installer app (like “Install macOS Ventura”). If it’s there, the full installer is downloading in the background.
If nothing shows up after a few minutes, try restarting the App Store or even your Mac and repeat the process.
Use Terminal to Generate a Direct Download Link (Advanced)
For those comfortable with Terminal, there’s a trick using a tool called mas-cli that can help trigger App Store downloads from the command line.
Here’s how:
- Install Homebrew if you haven't already.
- Run
brew install mas. - Sign into the Mac App Store via Terminal:
mas signin your@apple.com. - Search for the macOS installer ID using
mas search "macOS Ventura"(replace with desired version). - Once you have the correct ID, run
mas install [ID].
This method may work when the App Store UI hides the download button. However, this depends on Apple’s current distribution policies and may not always work for all macOS versions.
Alternative: Create a Bootable Installer Without the Full File
If you’re trying to create a bootable USB drive but don’t need the standalone installer file, macOS has built-in tools to help.
- Use the
createinstallmediacommand found inside the macOS installer app. - Plug in a USB drive (16GB recommended).
- Open Terminal and type
/path/to/Install\ macOS\ [version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolumeName. - Replace the path and volume name with your actual installer location and USB drive name.
This skips the need to manually download the installer app entirely, assuming you’ve already got it on your system or can access it another way.
Getting the macOS installer from the App Store can be tricky depending on your Mac model and Apple ID history, but with these methods, you should be able to find one that works. It’s not complicated, but it does require a bit of patience and knowing the right steps.
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