Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. Guides

How to download MacOS Catalina

Jon Martindale
By

Catalina is the latest build of Apple’s Mac operating system, version 10.15. Released in October 2019, it’s packed with plenty of new features Mac owners should love, like spreading cloud-based media across focus apps (bye-bye iTunes), second-screen support for iPads, support for iPad-like apps, and more.

Mac owners should consider upgrading to the latest version on a security level at the very least, just like Windows. And just like Windows 10, upgrading to the latest version is completely free. You can grab Catalina simply by loading the Mac’s App Store — the only cost is your time and bandwidth.

Recommended Videos

Below, you’ll find our easy step-by-step instructions on how to download MacOS Catalina 10.15.

Related

See more

Step 1: Check that your Mac is compatible

MacOS Catalina Hands-on | Macbook Pro
Dan Baker/Digital Trends

First, make sure your Mac can run Catalina. Apple provides a handy list of compatible Macs, but here we summarize the list:

  • MacBook Pro from mid-2012 onward
  • MacBook Air from mid-2012 onward
  • 12-inch MacBook from early 2015 onward
  • iMac Pro from 2017 onward
  • iMac from late 2012 onward
  • Mac Mini from late 2012 onward
  • Mac Pro from late 2013 onward

Step 2: Back up your Mac

Adata Rugged SSD
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you have anything important on your Mac, we recommend backing it up to an external drive or cloud storage service. Updating to a new version carries some risk of running into problems during installation. If you already backed everything up, reverting to the old install is quick and easy.

If you need help backing up your Mac, follow our step-by-step instructions published in a separate article.

Step 3: Open the Mac App Store

Mac App Store Catalina
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now that your Mac is safely backed up, launch the Apple Mac App Store by clicking the blue “A” icon parked on your Mac’s Dock. Alternatively, you can click the Apple icon located in the top left corner and select App Store on the drop-down menu.

Once the store opens, click the search bar in the top-left corner and type “MacOS Catalina.” Press return and click the entry for Catalina to load its product page.

Alternatively, you can click the link below and it should launch the Catalina product page within the App Store:

Get MacOS Catalina

Step 4: Download MacOS Catalina

Downloading MacOS Catalina
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When you’re ready, click the blue Get button to download the MacOS Catalina installer (8.16GB). Depending on your internet connection, this may take a while, so be patient. Once it’s finished, the installer launches automatically.

Note: If you’re installing Catalina on a MacBook, we recommend plugging in the power cord if you haven’t already. You don’t want a dead battery to interrupt your install, as this can seriously corrupt your data.

Step 5: Run the installer

MacOS Catalina Installer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With the installer loaded, follow the on-screen prompts to install MacOS Catalina. If you’d rather install the new update to a different partition than the default choice, select Show all disks when presented with the option. Choose the target partition before continuing.

Once you finally click Install, your Mac may restart several times during the installation. You’ll see a blank screen and a progress bar as well. This is all fine and expected, so don’t worry.

The installation is complete when you see the MacOS Catalina login page. Congrats and have fun!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale
Computing Coordinator
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
The best Mac keyboard shortcuts for 2024
Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display review hand on mouse

Many Mac owners swear that keyboard shortcuts help simplify their lives. If you’re new to a Mac, learning all the available keyboard shortcuts can be a real challenge. Quite a few of these shortcuts will now work in iPadOS, too, thanks to the Magic Keyboard available to iPad Pro users.

We’ve put together a list of the most important shortcuts you should know. You can also take a look at our list of the best Mac apps for even more Apple shortcuts.
The most important shortcuts

Read more
How to change the default apps on a Mac
Change your Mac’s default apps in three easy steps
MacOS Catalina Hands-on | Macbook Pro

Apple products come loaded with software designed to work seamlessly with the macOS operating system. For example, Safari is the default software used to load websites, Preview is used to view pictures, and Pages will open documents. But if you're not a fan of the built-in software, Apple doesn't lock you into using it. However, you'll need to know exactly where to look if you want to change the default apps on a Mac.

Thankfully, the process is largely the same whether you're running macOS Sonoma 14, Ventura 13, or other macOS versions. It's also easy to reverse the process and go back to using default apps.

Read more
Best MacBook deals: Get an Air for $605 and save on M3 MacBook Pro
A MacBook Pro M2 sits on a wooden table with a nice bokeh background.

Apple has long been known to turn out some of the best laptops, with models like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro regularly being among the most sought-after laptops. It can actually be difficult to land some decent Apple deals, as the brand's popularity keeps many of its products from seeing the bargain bin. Right now, however, Apple has a lot of options among the best laptop deals. The original Apple Silicon MacBook Air is seeing some of its lowest prices ever, and there’s even some newer MacBook Pros discounted right now. Whether you’re in search of a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, reading onward you’ll find the best MacBook deals currently available.
Best MacBook Air (M1) deals

The Apple MacBook Air (M1) started a seismic shift for Apple being the first of its Airs to have an Apple-based processor. We took a look at the differences between the M2 and M1 and the M1 is still looking pretty great. It's also a touch nearer to affordable than anything else here. Fast yet fanless so it's silent to use, you gain an 18-hour battery life, a gorgeous looking 13.3-inch Retina display along with all the effortless style you'd expect from an Apple device. These laptops are best for students or those who want something stylish yet reasonably powerful to use on the move. Nowadays, deals are becoming a little harder to come by unless you're willing to consider a refurbished/renewed model.

Read more