I got notification that Apple released a new OS for the Mac called Sonoma. In my Sys Preferences, I started the download. Once the download finished, the machine wanted to reboot, but I interrupted it because I'm not ready to upgrade just yet. I prefer to do a clean install from a bootable USB. (I'm currently running Ventura).
Where can I find the Sonoma file after it's been downloaded? I'm not seeing it in the Applications folder.
iMac 27″
You likely cannot make a bootable USB installer without downloading a full installer. The initial upgrade installer has never been able to create a bootable USB installer. Only after installing the new OS can you download a full installer.
You can try to download a full installer in Terminal:
List Full Installer Versions
softwareupdate --list-full-installers
Download a Full Installer Version
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.2
You likely cannot make a bootable USB installer without downloading a full installer. The initial upgrade installer has never been able to create a bootable USB installer. Only after installing the new OS can you download a full installer.
You can try to download a full installer in Terminal:
List Full Installer Versions
softwareupdate --list-full-installers
Download a Full Installer Version
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 14.2
This worked for me. Thanks! I went to System Settings first to see which version of Sonoma was the latest. For me it was 14.2.1 so I put that number in and it worked! It downloaded the installer to my Applications folder as expected. Now I can make a bootable installer AND copy the installer to my other Mac.
Thanks for both of your suggestions. The file definitely didn't fully download since it wasn't in the Applications folder. I still don't know why the notification popped up saying the machine was going to reboot in 60 seconds. After reading both of your replies, I went back into the system settings and clicked on the Sonoma download button and the progress indicator zipped through until there was about 400 mb left and then it took several more minutes before it completed and showed up the App folder.
My experience is that
While downloading, it is in some non-visible folder/directory.
When the download is complete, the install will start.
When you get to the what disk do you want to install on, you can Quit the install, an you should find the installer in Applications.
I'm not seeing it in the Applications folder.
Maybe it didn't finish downloading. Try again.
Downloaded Sonoma and was presented with the countdown to restart so cancelled that. Couldn't find the Installer in the Applications folder. Rebooted my Mac, still nothing. Went to System Settings and the Sonoma entry was still there with the button saying Upgrade. Tapped that thinking that the download would complete and the installer would appear in the Applications folder. NOPE.
Immediately restarted and began the instal process. No opportunity to delay it.
BE CAREFUL FOLKS. Make sure you do a backup beforehand (I had already done that anyway).
People who say it should be in the Applications folder are not correct. It doesn't download into the Applications folder. I checked the system /Library folder and my user ~/[Username]/Library folder, and it wasn't in either of those places, either.
softwareupdate fetch command when used shows it is installing, not downloading. whether it downloads or installs? those who used the command kindly reply.
It says it is installing. Not sure why. Maybe it is installing the installer.
This worked for me. Thanks! I went to System Settings first to see which version of Sonoma was the latest. For me it was 14.2.1 so I put that number in and it worked! It downloaded the installer to my Applications folder as expected. Now I can make a bootable installer AND copy the installer to my other Mac.
The file should be in your Applications folder, and called “Install Mac OS Sonoma” or similar.
softwareupdate fetch command when used shows it is installing, not downloading. whether it downloads or installs? those who used the command kindly reply.
Sonoma OS Download Location
