How to install latest macOS on Unsupported Macs

  • Sticky post

2013-2017 Macs can easily run the latest macOS with OpenCore

2008-2020 Macs can easily run a secure OS with chromeOS Flex

SSD Upgradeable Macs:

2012-2015 13″ & 15″ models
2016-2017 13″ w/o Touch Bar
For more details on compatibility visit Laptops
Want to Upgrade? Submit a ticket

Stage Ⅰ: Prepare Installer

  1. Plug in a 16GB or larger USB 3.0 thumb drive with nothing important saved on it as it will be erased.

  2. Download the latest OpenCore-Patcher-GUI.app.zip from https://github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/releases

  3. Once downloaded, launch the app and you will be greeted by this menu:
  4. First, we’ll want to select the “Create macOS Installer” button. This will present you with 2 options:
  5. Choose Download macOS Installer. Selecting this option will download Apple’s Installer Catalogs and build a list for you to choose from, choose the latest version which may differ from below:

    This will download and install the macOS installer to your applications folder.

  6. Once finished, you can proceed to write the installer onto the USB drive.
    • Note: The entire USB drive will be formatted

  7. Select the Downloaded Version of macOS

  8. Now the patcher will start the installer flashing:
  9. Success Prompt:
  10. Finished Flashing:
  11. Return to Main Menu

Stage Ⅱ: Build OpenCore

  1. Now that we have a macOS installer, let’s now build our OpenCore configuration.

  2. Select Build and Install OpenCore and start building:


  3. Finished Building:
  4. Select the Install to Disk button, then select a drive:
  5. Select Partition:

Stage Ⅲ: Boot & Install

  1. Reboot the machine while holding Option

  2. Select the EFI Boot entry with the OpenCore icon (holding the Control key will make this the default boot entry):

  3. Now that you’ve loaded OpenCore, select Install macOS:

  4. You will soon reach the installer screen. From there, it’s just like any normal macOS install.
    • If you want to keep your data and settings, just install macOS.
      -or-
    • If you want the system to be wiped, erase the drive in Disk Utility then proceed with installing macOS.

Stage IV: Post-Installation

  1. OCLP will now automatically prompt you to root patch your system:
    • You will also be prompted to install these patches after macOS updates.
    • Whenever you see this prompt, you must apply the patches then reboot as prompted.
    • I recommend to also update the OCLP patcher app after any macOS update, please follow my guide How to Reinstall Root Patches on Unsupported Macs
  2. Launch Finder > Applications then launch OpenCore Legacy Patcher
  3. Choose Settings
  4. Uncheck setting circled in red:
  5. Build OpenCore again just like in Stage 2 except this time choose the internal drive, NOT the USB.

  6. Now you no longer need the USB drive.

2 replies on “How to install latest macOS on Unsupported Macs”