You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: MacBird99
MacBird99 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Error creating bootable Sierra Installer "This version of macOS 10.12.6 cannot be installed on this computer."

I am trying to create a bootable installer of OS Sierra for a 2012 Mac Air using a 2020 Mac Air. Following How to download and install macOS - Apple Support, downloaded InstallOS.dmg for Sierra 10.12, clicked and got to InstallOS.pkg, but when I clicked it I got error "This version of macOS 10.12.6 cannot be installed on this computer." I received this running Ventura and then upgraded to Sonoma and got the same error. I've searched answers here and elsewhere without success and appreciate any help folks can offer.


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Oct 17, 2023 3:26 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: D.I. Johnson
D.I. Johnson
User level: Level 7
23,477 points

Posted on Oct 17, 2023 3:57 PM

Because the 2020 MacBook Air cannot run Sierra, it cannot be used to create a bootable installer for that old OS.

You must find a Mac that is capable of running macOS 10.12 Sierra and use that to create your bootable installer.

That would be a Mac computer released not later than 2017.

View in context

Similar questions

2 replies

Error creating bootable Sierra Installer "This version of macOS 10.12.6 cannot be installed on this computer."

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up