How to install latest macOS on Unsupported Macs

Older Macs easily run the latest macOS with OpenCore

SSD Upgradeable:
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

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

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:
   

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.

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.