Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X.

The certificates for several of Apples OS's expired in October 2019, Apple have been very poor at getting these updated on their Recovery Servers with valid certificates. This may be the problem you are experiencing. 

Try this workaround, we are going to set the time and date on your mac to a date previous to the expiry date of the certificates.

Boot to your Recovery HD, click on Utilities in the menubar select Terminal.

Enter a new date, for example or just copy and paste

sudo date -u 011421002018

press Return

enter your password

press Return

Now try downloading the OS.

If this works when the OS is installed and booted up you can Open System Preferences> Date & Time

and reset the time back to today.

I am in this trap too. My MacBook is a brick now. Well done Apple! Is there a workaround? Restore from USB stick?

if you're getting the "can't download the additional components" error, try removing any extra memory that was installed after you bought it, try reinstalling the Mac OS after memory removal. Can reinstall the upgraded memory after os install goes thru. Good luck.

I finally fixed it. I did everything I was supposed to do, had good internet connection, etc. I brought the MacBook to a different WiFi network and did the same steps as I did before and it worked. So maybe try a new (not 2g vs 5g a different IP address) and try to download the new software.

Upd. Restored my MacBook via USB boot. Fast path is this using 2 USB sticks:

1. download Mac OS dmg file (google it) on another PC to one USB stick
2. insert USB stick with dmg to your Mac and burn this dmg to another USB stick using Disk Utility
3. restart your Mac and hold option key
4. proceed with installation

Hello,

I am having the same issue with my MacBook Air.

Are you able to provide more detailed steps on how to fix the issue? Im trying to install Lion OS X.

Thank you.

I have the same issue. I tried changing the date and did everything else these replies and youtube said. I tried using a USB and boot from there but when I do the start up disk option, my Mac SSD nor USB is listed.

I was able to access the internet through recovery mode and download 2 versions of the OS that my mac can run. Now that it is downloaded I do not know how to proceed. Can anyone help?

While solving the same problem, I solved it with the solution methods given on the page. maybe it will help you

https://www.knowerstech.com/cannot-download-additional-components-required-to-install-mac-os-x-error-solution/

NOT successful after date reset to 2018: I still get: Can't download the additional components needed to install Mac OS X