So, you’ve decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac’s performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we’ll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.
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A list of all Mac OS X versions
We’ll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it’s good to know the basic macOS timeline.
Cheetah 10.0 | Puma 10.1 | Jaguar 10.2 |
Panther 10.3 | Tiger 10.4 | Leopard 10.5 |
Snow Leopard 10.6 | Lion 10.7 | Mountain Lion 10.8 |
Mavericks 10.9 | Yosemite 10.10 | El Capitan 10.11 |
Sierra 10.12 | High Sierra 10.13 | Mojave 10.14 |
Catalina 10.15 |
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STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation
Given your Mac isn’t new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have “fuel” to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.
Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:
- Uninstall large unused apps
- Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
- Locate the biggest files on your computer:
Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)
STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download
Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That’s why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.
How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store
If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you’ll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn’t always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:
- Click the App Store icon.
- Click Purchases in the top menu.
- Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
- Click Download.
This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.
Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer
If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.
Purchase an older version of Mac operating system
You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.
Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8
Mac All In One Desktop
The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.
How to get macOS El Capitan download
If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it’s possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:
1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.
“I can’t download an old version of Mac OS X”
If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don’t expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.
But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac (or virtual machine) running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities.
After you’ve completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.
STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive
The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.
- Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
- Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
- Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
- Select external drive as a source.
- Enter your Apple ID.
Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down. Now that the installation file is “captured” onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.
- Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
- Connect the external drive.
- Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.
Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.
How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions
If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina
Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).
Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version
If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.
These might also interest you:
If you’re struggling to select a better desktop interface for your Windows PC, you may rejoice as there are some wonderful Windows 10 HD themes to download for your desktop. These themes consist some classic high-definition images, sound, and interface graphics that can entirely alter the way your desktop looks. Expanded across various concepts and art, each of them have an added essence of nostalgia, peace, and wonder.
We have selected few beautiful but unique themes that can enhance the visual appeal of your Windows 10 desktop. You can install and uninstall them with one click and most importantly, they are safe and free. We are going to discuss some of the most popular themes like nature themes, car themes, movie themes, art themes, etc.
Download Free Microsoft Desktop HD Themes For Windows 10 In 2020
From the lot, we have selected few beautiful but unique themes that can enhance the visual appeal of your desktop. You can install and uninstall them with one click and most importantly, they are safe and free. Here is the list of best free Windows 10 themes-
Best HD Car Themes for Windows 10 Free Download:-
This section is for hard-core car lovers. Find stunning themes related to various cars and motorbikes in this section. Check them out!
1. The Akrapovic Theme
In this section, our first theme is inspired by Akrapovic, the popular exhaust systems manufacturer. If you enjoy studying about vehicles, this theme will interest you. You can find 10 images in this theme.
2. Muscle Cars
‘Muscle Cars’ is another great theme, which will certainly attract the attention of muscle cars lovers out there. The theme offers 14 muscle cars images that you would love to drive one day.
To download the above-mentioned themes or more from Automotive section, click here.
Natural Wonders Themes For Windows 10:-
If natural wonders of the world amaze you, themes like these are perfect for your desktop screen:-
3. Aurora Borealis
Aurora Borealis is a great theme for Windows 10, which is provided by Microsoft. You can find 8 images in the theme that provide a persian greenish environment to your desktop environment.
4. Community Showcase :Rural Landscapes 2
If you are in love with rural landscapes, the ‘Community Showcase :Rural Landscapes 2’ is the best theme for Windows 10.
5. Desert Panoramic
If you like the scenic beauty of deserts, Desert Panoramic is the theme for you. You can 13 images in the theme package.
To download the above-mentioned Natural Wonders or more, click here.
Also Read: 5 Best Duplicate Photo Finder Tools to Delete Duplicate Photos
Plants & Flowers Themes For Windows 10:-
If you love plants and flowers, these themes will attract you.
6. Beautiful Blossoms
If you love flowers, you will fall in love with this theme. ‘Beautiful Blossoms’ offers 15 images in the package.
7. The Forest Floor
The Forest Floor is a theme for those who admire scenic beauty of the forest. The theme contains 10 HD images, which you will fall for.
To download above-mentioned themes and more from the Plants & Flowers, click here.
Also Read: 5 Best Desktops For Photo Editing
Branded Desktop Themes For Windows 10:-
Check out some branded themes in this section.
8. Captain America
Many people love Marvel universe and many of them admire Captain America. Thus, we’ve listed a Captain America theme for his fans. The theme consists of 8 high quality images.
9. Halo:Reach
Here’s a theme for every Halo fan. The Halo: Reach theme includes 12 mind-blowing HD stills from the game “Halo:Reach”.
To download the above-mentioned themes and more like them, click here.
Art (Photographic) Themes For Windows 10
If you like photographic art, you are going to love these themes:-
10. Captured Moments
This section consists of 12 great images that were captured at the right moment. These images are random but stunning.
11. Ice Castles
Have you ever dreamt of Ice Castles? Here are some images which will help you visualize those dreams on your computer screen.
To download more themes like this, click here.
Also Read: 6 Best Photo Management Software For Windows 10, 8, 7
Some Random Windows 10 Desktop Themes:-
12. Butterflies
You can choose the Butterflies theme, if you like nature’s beautiful creation ‘Butterflies’. By installing this theme, you will get 13 magnificent high-quality images of Butterflies relaxing on flowers. A pitch-perfect theme for any entomologist!
Click here to apply Butterflies theme onto your desktop.
13. Jellyfish Theme
Have you ever seen Jellyfish underwater? You would have admired this mystical creature for its spectacularity and serenity. We have included this jellyfish inspired theme in our list of best free Windows 10 themes a we are certain that you’ll like it. Click here to download the Jellyfish theme.
14. Snowflakes and Frost Theme
If you love winters, you would surely love snowflakes and frost. The Snowflakes and Frost theme is one of the best Windows 10 themes. Though the theme does not contain any winter sceneries, it offers stunning close-ups of frost and snowflakes. It’s worth a try. Download the Snowflake and Frost theme by clicking here.
15. Cat Theme
Here’s a theme for cat lovers who want to see cute and pretty cats on their computer screen. The cat theme will awe you because of its 19 amazing HD pictures of cats. Click here to download the Cat theme.
Black Themes for Windows 10 Desktop:
16. Windows 10 Official Dark Theme
To begin with, if you need a decent black background and interface on your Windows 10 desktop, you must check the official Windows 10 official dark theme. You can easily activate the Windows 10 dark theme through Personalization settings. Just follow these three simple steps:
Step 1: Press Windows key and I together
Step 2: Head to Personalization>>Colors
Step 3: Scroll Down and under Change Default App Mode, select Dark.
This would change the background theme color for Windows apps, Taskbar, Search bar, and Microsoft Store’s app to black. However, for third-party apps, the theme may work depending on whether the app supports it or not.
17. Hover Dark Aero
This is the first of the third-party dark themes compatible with Windows 10. Since Windows 10 doesn’t have other black themes, you need external downloads to have more. Hover Dark Aero is a grey-shaded black theme, wherein the icons turn grey while the folder Windows turn dark once the theme is applied. The theme can be patched with Windows personalizations using UxThemePatcher, a tool without which you can’t apply external themes on Windows desktops.
Step 1: Once you’ve installed UxThemePatcher, download the theme here.
Step 2: Paste downloaded files over location – C:WindowsResourcesThemes.
Step 3: Now select Hover Dark Aero from Personalization settings as your Windows 10 theme.
18. Ades Dark Theme
Ades is not exactly a Windows 10 black theme but contains a color combination of dark grey, green, and a little bit of blue. But for those who work mostly over computers and are constantly in front of the skin, Ades is quite soothing to the eyes. It gives a fresh look to your old-school white-background in File Explorer and tweaks up the icons as well.
For applying Ades, you can download the theme here and proceed to apply it. Of course, you will need UxThemePatcher to patch the themes with default Windows themes in a folder – C:WindowsResourcesThemes.
Classic Themes for Windows 10 PC:
19. Classic Windows XP Themes
The nostalgic original Windows XP theme can now be installed over Windows 10 PC. Users are still in love with that blue-shaded desktop theme despite the fact that it has been more than a decade since people moved on from Windows XP. If you’re one of those people, then you can have it on your PC by just fulfilling a couple of conditions.
You need to download two add-ons on your PC:
Classic Shell allows customization of Windows 10 tools to alter the look of icons, desktop, explorer menus, etc. With the XP Suite, you’ll be able to get Windows XP classic theme on your system, which would be imposed on all app icons, user interface, and font style.
20. Windows Classic High Contrast Themes
![Download Download](https://www.moregameslike.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/City-Car-Driving.jpg)
In Windows 10, you can activate the classic Windows themes, which resembles the desktop settings of the older Windows operating system versions. Though these themes make minimal changes to desktop appearances, they do change colors and the contrast everywhere on the screen.
These themes don’t have to be downloaded from any external source. All these apps are pre-installed in Windows 10 in the folder – C:WindowsResourcesEase of Access Themes. Here, all you need to do is double-click on any of the themes and those particular colors would take over on your system desktop appearance.
21. Windows Grey Theme
On Deviant Art, an online social network for sharing artwork and videography, there is a Windows original theme available. Though it is not exactly the same as original Windows, one can’t seem to ignore the resemblances.
Step 1: You can visit the download link here and download the file.
Step 2: Paste the file in folder path – C:WindowsResourcesEase of Access Themes.
Step 3: Add the theme from Personalization settings.
Ensure that you have the c installed in advance on your PC. And then you can enjoy a new interface on your PC, taking you back to the original Windows days.
macOS Themes for Windows 10 Desktop
Believe it or not but Apple’s interface has that vibe that upgrades your experience on the PC. The vibrant colors, high-def wallpapers, and stylized icons and file explorer areas are worth having on your PC. Now, Windows users can also have that experience enabled on their systems. Checkout these HD macOS themes for Windows:
22. Sierra macOS Theme
This is the theme that transforms your Windows 10 PC into Macintosh’s thirteenth operating system. The best part is that this theme doesn’t only apply to desktop, but also to the internal folders, interface, and icons. This means that you can enjoy a complete Mac interface on a Windows PC.
There is just one small issue. There are many folders that are renamed in Apple’s Mac. For example, there’ll be Apple’s icon on the top-left corner of the screen. The system information folder says “About This Mac”. There is a folder that says Apple Software Update which is redirected to the Windows update page. All these things remind you that it’s a fake experience. And this may lead you to get over this very quickly.
23. macOS Transformation Pack
If you feel a bit awry of the drawbacks mentioned above of Sierra macOS theme for Windows, you may go for this amazing transformation pack. This pack only works on icons, login page, themes, file menus, and wallpapers. It would transform the style and font of your This PC menu as that of MacBook’s file explorer. The names of system folders would remain the same as in Windows, and only the icons and interface would be affected. Most of the transformations in this macOS transformation pack for Windows has been adopted from the Yosemite OS X of Mac.
24. macOS Catalina
For getting the latest interface experience from Mac to Windows, this is the best theme for you. It works just like the transformation pack, but the features, themes, and styles are heavily adapted from the latest macOS Catalina. And this includes the dark mode feature as well. But the design is still under regular updates as the users are reporting any flaws. So if you decide to go through this, you must regularly check for updates.
Also, ensure that you have UxThemePatcher installed on your PC. Once you’ve downloaded this theme, just copy the files in folder path – C:WindowsResourcesThemes. Once it’s done, change the theme through personalization settings.
HD Windows 10 Themes with Sound
Many Windows 10 themes with sounds are available on Microsoft’s own support site. You can access them all here. These thees play custom sounds when you start-up your system. You can also set this sound as default for different operations such as minimize/maximize the window, double-click, etc.
Download Them All Mac Games
We have selected the top three, but again, this is just a personal opinion based on personal preferences. If you have got some other favorites, that’s completely your call:
25. Angry Birds
Inspired by the video game of the same name, this Windows 10 custom sound theme features sounds of birds chirping, screaming, and shouting. These sounds are same as those of the characters portrayed in the game and the Angry Bords movie. The theme is, of course, embedded with six images of the characters from the game.
26. Glowing Beaches
If you’re looking for some soothing beach sounds with graceful images of natural sea-shore environments, then this is the theme you should go for. It comes with fourteen different images and associated sounds. With these high-definition images, you can personalize your desktop with some of the most peaceful and picturesque attractions.
27. Halo: Reach
Once again, a theme for gamers, who wish to venture into deep space and outer galaxies. This theme is inspired by characters and landscapes from the video game Halo. Containing thirteen images, the pictures comprise high-def. Images of asteroid fields, spaceships, and galactic colonies; thus compiling a vibrant artwork of mesmerizing color combinations.
Latest Windows 10 Themes
1. Official Windows 10 2020 Light Theme
The new 2020 Windows 10 Update has brought a few changes to the interface of your Windows 10 desktop. While the Dark Mode of Windows 10 2020 update looks, all the same, you will notice a few changes when you enable the Light Mode.
The theme offers a grey-ish taskbar and notification bar, along with a newly designed Start menu. The similar color changes apply to the folders and drives as well, but you can choose to keep the folders in the dark separately while only bringing the change to the taskbar and notification bar. The theme is a part of Windows 10 latest update rollout and therefore doesn’t require any theme patcher.
Step 1: Head to Right-click ? Personalization.
Step 2: Head to Colors.
Step 3: Change color to Dark else change to Custom.
Step 4: If you chose for Custom Colors, set default Windows Mode to Light.
Your Settings will be placed in effect.
The Windows 10 2020 Update will is currently being rolled out to all Windows 10 licensed users and can be downloaded by visiting your system’s Update Settings.
2. Flattastic
Falsttastic is one of the most minimalistic Windows 10 themes for Windows 10 desktop or laptop. The theme somehow resembles the latest update; however, the theme has got sixteen different variants to apply. While there is little change in the icons, the theme adds up a second taskbar on the top-centre of the Windows 10 Desktop.
The theme has both dark and light mode with eight variants in each mode, and you can download either of them. It also offers different color gradients to light your folders and drives and give it a more contrasting look above basic light (white) and dark (black) themes. You’ll, of course, require the UX ThemePatcher to make this theme work. Once downloaded copy and paste the theme files on location – C:WindowsResourcesThemes
These are some best free themes to download for Windows 10 that we believe you would love. These themes are safe and most of them are sourced by Microsoft. We hope that the article helps you to find out the best themes for your Windows 10 desktop. Share your experience with us in the comments below. Also, let us know if we have missed out some outstanding but safe Windows 10 themes for the PC.
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