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Installing a different OS on a current dual-boot iMac

I currently have an older iMac (2011) that can dual-boot either Lion or El Capitan.


I now want to delete Lion and install the High Sierra OS in its place (but leave El Capitan alone, so that I can still boot-up in it if I need to).


When I start the upgrade, will it ask me which volume to install High Sierra to? And if I install it to a different volume (other than the one running El Capitan) will it leave El Capitan alone, allowing me to then have a dual boot iMac that can run either El Capitan or High Sierra?


I just don't want the upgrade to erase El Capitan, and I forget how these things work. I'm hoping it's as easy as this:


  • Wiping the volume that Lion is currently on
  • Having the updater ask me on which volume to put High Sierra
  • Select the volume that Lion used to be on
  • Ending up with High Sierra one on volume and El Capitan left untouched on its current volume


Is it as easy as that? Am I missing anything?

iMac 21.5″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Feb 5, 2022 10:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 5, 2022 10:29 AM

1. Yes, it works that way.

2. Back up your data before proceeding.


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Installing a different OS on a current dual-boot iMac

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