The final version of MacOS is ready to download
Welcome to our guide on how to download and install MacOS Catalina, also known as macOS 10.15.
Apple has now officially released the final version of macOS Catalina, meaning that anyone with a compatible Mac or MacBook can now safely install it on their device.
Like previous versions of MacOS, macOS Catalina is a free update that brings many new features. The process of installing the update is very straightforward, but as with any major OS update, there are some risks and ways to mitigate them.
So, read on for our guide on how to download and install macOS Catalina, where we take you through each step to make the process as smooth as possible.
1. Check your device is compatible
Before downloading and installing MacOS Catalina, you will need to make sure that the Mac or MacBook you are installing is capable of running the software.
The good news is that if you have MacOS 10.14 Mojov installed on a Mac or MacBook, you will be able to run MacOS 10.15 Catalina.
Here is the complete list of macOS Catalina-compatible devices:
- 12 inch MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2012 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2012 and later)
- Mac Mini (2012 and later)
- iMac (2012 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
2. Backup your Mac before upgrading to MacOS Catalina
Whenever you step into a fresh-off-the-shelf new operating system, we recommend backing up files on your Mac, so if anything goes wrong, you can let your machine know its previous working order Can be restored quickly.
So before you download and install macOS Catalina, make sure your Mac is backed up. For information on how to do this, visit our ultimate guide to backing up your Mac.
- macOS runs on many of the best laptops available today
3. Download macOS Catalina from the App Store
You can download and install macOS Catalina from the App Store on your Mac. Open the App Store in your current version of MacOS, then search for macOS Catalina.
Click the button to install, and when a window appears, click "Continue" to start the process.
You can also visit the macOS Catalina website, which has a download link to install the software on compatible devices. This will download macOS Catalina to your application folder. Once complete, the installer will open, and you can follow the onscreen instructions to install MacOS Catalina on your Mac.
You may be asked to sign in with an administrator name and password during the process, so make sure you have your hands on it.