How to Install macOS High Sierra on Older Macs

Are you still using an older Mac that's no longer supported by Apple? If so, you may be disappointed to learn that macOS High Sierra (10.12) is not compatible with your machine. However, there is a way to install the operating system on these older Macs.

To get started, you'll need access to a supported machine and a USB drive or external hard drive partition with at least 8GB of free space. You can download a copy of macOS Sierra from the Mac App Store, but be aware that this will only work if your machine is compatible with High Sierra.

Format Your Drive

Before you begin, you'll need to format your USB drive or external hard drive partition as GUID Partition Map and Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility. This will ensure that your drive is ready for the installation process.

Use macOS Sierra Patcher

The best way to install High Sierra on an older Mac is by using a tool called macOS Sierra Patcher, created by dosdude1. This tool allows you to modify the installer to support hardware that's not officially supported by Apple. The patcher works with many machines, including those listed in the table below.

Unsupported Machines

Not all machines can be installed with High Sierra using this method, however. Some models, such as the MacBook Pro (2008/9), may work perfectly without modifications. Others, like the MacBook Air (2008) and iMac (2007), will require additional steps to get up and running.

Why Did Apple Drop Support?

Apple's decision to drop support for some of its hardware models has left many Mac owners wondering what motivated this change. Some have speculated that Apple is simply trying to encourage hardware upgrades, while others believe that there may be underlying hardware deficiencies or incompatibilities that make it difficult to support certain machines.

Installing macOS High Sierra on older Macs can be a bit more complicated than usual, but with the right tools and knowledge, it's still possible. By using macOS Sierra Patcher, you can breathe new life into your older Mac and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

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