How to download macOS directly WITHOUT using the App Store

In this video, I explain how to download almost any version of macOS directly from Apple without having to go through the App Store.
You can use this method to download macOS and create a bootable USB flash drive to use for installing macOS on older Macs or a PC.
Big Sur, Catalina, Monterey and Ventura are available using the terminal softwareupdate command.

[larryjennings]

This little command did the trick as I was making a bootable image on an external drive to put Mojave back on an old iMAC to donate to someone who might want an older integrated machine for simple you so much!!!!

[SpaceMod]

Doesn't work just gives me a list of other commands to try

[asyari_dev]

I had some issues after updating macOS. Thanks to this video, I learned how to download macOS via Terminal on my own and managed to fix the problem. I'm really happy and appreciate your help a lot. Thanks a bunch!😊

[SOOL]

Thanks for the video but it doesn't list any versions for me (using latest macos as of december 2023).

[minhtaile]

I've just bought my first Mac, a new base M1. Although it's almost 3 year old tech, my very first experience on Mac device is very good. Your video is very helpful. Thank you!

[shaafv]

Thank you for the advice! It is very easy, you deserve a sub!

[keithclemons]

Thx so much for this video!! I bought a used MacBook Pro mid 2014 and it still had OS X on it. I couldn’t find a Big Sur OS download anywhere. U really helped me!!
K.

[ngsski]

Can I do same thing with Logic Pro trying to buy it and won’t let me as I’m in big sur and req at least Monterey

[christianmaxpicellicorrea]

Very nice video. Very useful and easily. Thanks

[nitalpatel]

thank you for this advice! life saver as my app store is not working for me.

[alinasir]

I ran the command but somehow I couldn't see the latest version of Venture which is supported on my MacBook Pro 2017.

[kyle]

The terminal command worked, however unfortunately all it shows me is High Sierra and Sonoma. I'm trying to downgrade from Sonoma to Monterey. App store doesn't let me download Monterey, just pops open the software update page and says there are no updates (running 14.4 right now) I'm on a early 2011 MBP and Sonoma just is a bit too laggy for my liking.

[Epic-eoxr]

mine doesnt do that it shows something else like steps needed to install

[StraussWyldeTT]

Does not work on M1 Macs, trying to find Older OS for older Macs. There are ZERO installers listed. Thanks though

[Ronald-Reggae]

Terminal finds no updates on M2 macbook air

[dzjalilo]

for those who want to make copy past of commands in the videos here are
1- softwareupdate --list-full-installers
2- softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version **.**.*

[Annanay]

i tried it on my sons compputer [imac 2011 and it dident work

[kateswrld_]

So I’ve tried doing the —list and -l or -a it just says must be run as root 😭

[ASignOfTheThymes]

Hi, thank you for your helpful videos! Is there a way to download MacOS via cmd in Windows or Linux (without using a third party app)?.

[Metaplan]

best video ever. helped me a lot because the appstore is not working for me. thanks!