I already downloaded OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 but it won't work and says I need OS X El Capitan 10.11 first.
Sounds like you tried to install an update to El Capitan, for which you would need a previous version of El Capitan installed. You need to download the full El Capitan installer which is approximately 6Gbs, and can be found here,
How to download OS X El Capitan - Apple Support
Depending on your Mac model and its age i.e. if your Mac can upgrade to High Sierra then the App Store will reject your request to download El Capitan as Apple wants you to have the latest software.
if it is definitely El Capitan you want then you may need to find a Mac/ friend that can only upgrade to El Capitan to download it and move it to yours and then install it. Please check back if it is the case...
Thank you! I ended up restoring back to the backup prior to downloading High Sierra - then I downloaded Hish Sierra again and it installed without error. All is good now!
Just follow the link that was given to you earlier by Mac jack that should take you to iTunes where you can download El Capitan. you are on Yosemite you need nothing more.
What does it say in your About This Mac under the Apple on the top left. Screenshot please.
OK good luck. It was difficult to tell without knowing the specs on your Mac.
Are you trying to download using WiFi, if so try a cabled connection to your router if you can.
I ran this software and sent the report it produced... Did you get it? I then deleted it as I don't think I will ever use it again.
I need to download OS X El Capitan 10.11 but I can't find it--
