Download older versions of GarageBand?

Question

Download older versions of GarageBand?

Where does one find older versions of GarageBand?

I am in need of version 10.

I have searched a bunch on this site but I'm having a hard time finding relevant info.

(Mac Mini early 2009, MacOS 10.11.6)

New machine to me so I do not have any backups.

It had GarageBand 10 when I got it but I wanted a wipe as this was a used machine and I did a fresh install and upgrade.

I have the original discs (10.6 and iLife) but that has an older version of GarageBand.

GarageBand keeps telling me to upgrade to 10 and go to the App store to do that.

The App Store only offers the latest version which is not compatible with 10.11.x, and this machine cannot update past this version of MacOS.

Are there old versions to download somewhere on the Apple site?

Alternatively, are there SAFE sources for these?

I've found downloads online from unknown sites but am wary about installing those as I'm not that familiar with Mac at this point and don't know what sites I can trust.

Thanks in advance!

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Jan 9, 2021 8:46 AM

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Answer 1

léonie

Level 10

200,699 points

Jan 9, 2021 11:45 AM in response to This_My_First_Mac

Did you keep a backup of the software, that has been installed, before you wiped the Mac? Then you could restore GarageBand from that backup. The older iLife version of garageBand would also run on your Mac, but you would need GarageBand '11, version 6.0.5. Apple has removed the updater to 6.0.5 from the Support Downloads page, so there is no updater available to get to version 6.0.5, if you use the iLife installers that you still have.

When you buy an older Mac, that cannot be upgraded to the current system, you have to make sure, that you get all older software with it, when you buy it. Since Apple introduced the App Store several years ago, we have to get all software, when it is first released for the current system. If we wait, until our system is no longer supported at the AppStore, it may be too late to get the software we need. Once our system is too old, it is essential to keep a good backup of all relevant software. Otherwise only Apple Support can help, if they are willing to do it.

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Answer 2

Jan 9, 2021 12:14 PM in response to léonie

As mentioned in my post above I do not have any backups as this was not my machine previously.

Also as mentioned in my post I DO have the software. However physical copies of later GarageBand do not and did not exist.

The current version of GarageBand will only work on MacOS 11, so EVERYONE with a Mac that cannot or will not support Big Sur is SOL.

I do not understand why previous versions are not downloadable like previous versions of MacOS are.

I'm not some freeloader looking to get something for nothing. I've legitimately purchased many Apple offerings including the Mac Box Set, Snow Leopard DVD, Mountain Lion (in the App Store), in addition to music and shows from iTunes.

It just seems to me there should be a way to get this done as sometimes computers crash; backups can be corrupted; equipment can be stolen etc. There are many situations where someone can be left with a machine that doesn't support the latest software but without a viable backup.

Given that Macs have a much greater usable life that your average PC this seems like a no-brainer.

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Answer 3

Jan 9, 2021 11:50 AM in response to Keith Barkley

You understand GarageBand is free?

Regardless, I purchased this Mac which comes with an iLife disc.

Since purchase seems to matter, additionally I have a Mac Box Set which has 5 licenses of Snow Leopard, iLife, and iWork.

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Answer 4

léonie

Level 10

200,699 points

Jan 9, 2021 12:00 PM in response to This_My_First_Mac

Then install Snow Leopard (ons of the best MacOS X versions ever released) on this Mac and the GarageBand version that came with it. The software you purchased with the Mac will work with it. It is unfortunately so, that Apple's App Store policy is forcing us to upgrade to the currently available system versions to grab all essential software updates for our apps, while they are still available. There is only a small window of opportunity to grab them. Once our system version is too old and the Mac cannot be upgraded to the current system, we can no longer buy additional software from Apple for our Mac.

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Answer 5

Jan 9, 2021 12:28 PM in response to léonie

I already have the version of GarageBand that came with the Mac. Was hoping to upgrade.

I can make due with what I've got but would like to see what this Mac was like "fully upgraded".

And I agree Snow Leo is my fav, the reason I own 2 (3 now with this Mac's install disc) copies of the software. Once I've played with El Cap I'll likely wipe and downgrade to 10.6, if for no other reason than to watch the opening video!

I worked for Apple Care back in the day when SL was the OS. My work machine was one of these same Mac Mini's so I have much love for this particular model and OS and why I (finally) purchased one.

I guess I'm just trying to apply logic to a situation that defies it. My past is coming back to me and I'm starting to remember some of my frustrations with Big A from a service standpoint.

Thanks for your time.

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Answer 6

Jan 9, 2021 11:06 AM in response to This_My_First_Mac

Since it appears that you have never purchased or downloaded GarageBand before, there is no legal way to get a version that will work on OS' before Big Sur.

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Download older versions of GarageBand?

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