I am trying to download macOS High Sierra....

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Level 1

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I am trying to download macOS High Sierra....

...to create a bootable disk to update my old MacBook Air 2013 from the Mountain Lion it pulled in recovery mode. My next step then will be to upgrade again to Big Sur.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-high-sierra/id1246284741?mt=12

When I follow the link provided to download High Sierra from the App Store, I get an error message saying that that program isn't compatible with my Mini Mac 2020 M1 and therefore can't be downloaded.

OK, so how do I get a bootable disk of High Sierra now?

Mac mini, macOS 12.1

Posted on Jan 13, 2022 3:04 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

dialabrain

Level 10

122,753 points

Jan 13, 2022 5:56 AM in response to ansgar273

If not, see if it will open this link…

http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com/2019/cert/061-41424-20191024-218af9ec-cf50-4516-9011-228c78eda3d2/InstallMacOSX.dmg

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

122,753 points

Jan 13, 2022 3:23 AM in response to ansgar273

Assuming your MBA is running Mountain Lion correctly, I would try upgrading it to El Capitan first.

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

There's no way to download High Sierra to an M1 Mac.

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

122,753 points

Jan 13, 2022 5:55 AM in response to ansgar273

Will it open this page?

How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 4

ansgar273 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 13, 2022 5:34 AM in response to ansgar273

I downloaded El Capitan as suggested in the upgrades post. When I wanted to install the app to then create a bootable disk from it, my Mac mini Monterey refused saying that "this software doesn't run on this computer"

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Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

122,753 points

Jan 13, 2022 5:44 AM in response to ansgar273

My fault. I meant if your MBA is running, download El Capitan to it, run it, then upgrade to Big Sur. You can't download any version of macOS earlier than Big Sur to your M1 Mac.

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Answer 6

ansgar273 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 13, 2022 5:46 AM in response to dialabrain

The app store on the MBA does not offer El Capitan but only Monterey. The browser under Mountain Lion is so old that it won't open many pages...the adventure continues and I'll get there eventually.

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