logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda
Advanced Search
logo elektroda

How do I install the latest macOS on an old computer, laptop? OpenCore Legacy Patcher

p.kaczmarek2 12777 48
ADVERTISEMENT
Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
Reply Cool? Ranking DIY | New topic
Notify about new articles
  • Window downloading macOS 15.0.1 in OpenCore Legacy Patcher .
    How do I upgrade to the latest version of macOS? What if an upgrade to Ventura, Sonoma or Sequoia is not available? Does an old Mac have to have an old operating system? Well, no - the OpenCore Legacy Patcher will allow you to upload the latest system even to a ten-year-old Apple device! Here I will outline such an upload step by step. You will need a memory stick of at least 32GB in size.

    This topic is essentially a continuation of the thread about replacing the HDD with an SDD on a 2014 mac Mini, and performing such a replacement I recommend before upgrading:
    Mac Mini A1347 EMC 2840 2014 - SSD replacement, Monterey installation .
    In addition to this, it is worth noting the amount of RAM available on our hardware. 8GB should ensure that we can use it comfortably even after the upgrade.

    The topic of course assumes an update of Apple hardware - the topic of uploading macOS to a "non-Apple" computer will not be covered here.

    The theme is based on the OpenCore Legacy Patcher available on Github. OpenCore Legacy Patcher is an unofficial open source solution, it is not supported by Apple, but Apple does not support older Macs either, so we are unlikely to lose much. Nevertheless, all experiments are done at your own risk.
    https://github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/
    Documentation:
    https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/START.html
    OpenCore Legacy Patcher supports hardware from as far back as 2008, here is a detailed list:
    https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html

    So, let's get to work! Before the operation, I recommend backing up our files. Something can always go wrong, although I didn't lose any data.
    So.
    Connect our flash drive to the mac. We go to Disk Utility (e.g. via Search) and format it in FAT:
    Disk Utility window for formatting a USB drive on a Mac. .
    We download the OpenCore Legacy Patcher from Github (Releases tab):
    Screenshot of a website detailing OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.0.2 and compatible Mac models. .
    Install - it should appear in Applications:
    OpenCore Legacy Patcher installation screen on a Mac computer. Screenshot of Mac applications, including OpenCore-Patcher. .
    Firing up. We start by downloading the system image - "Create macOS Installer". Select the desired system from the list. The download will then start, we wait.
    OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.0.2 application window on a Mac computer. OpenCore Legacy Patcher screen with the option to download macOS installer. OpenCore Legacy Patcher window with macOS installer selection Screenshot of macOS 15.0.1 download process using OpenCore Legacy Patcher. .
    Patience:
    macOS 15.0.1 downloading window using OpenCore Legacy Patcher on macOS. .
    Then we still wait for validation:
    OpenCore Legacy Patcher installer window validating macOS installer. .
    Once downloaded, we confirm the creation of the macOS installer:
    Screenshot with the prompt Create macOS Installer? .
    We can then select the installer and the connected USB stick from the list:
    Screenshot of OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.0.2 with the option to install macOS Sequoia 15.0.1 selected. Disk selection menu in OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.0.2 with a selected 32 GB USB drive. .
    Now you have to wait until the files are copied to the USB stick. In my case it took quite a long time.
    Creating macOS Sequoia installer process using OpenCore Legacy Patcher on a Mac. .
    Then you will be asked if you want to install OpenCore to this drive - yes, confirm, select the flash drive, its first partition:
    macOS dialog window confirming creation of installer and option to install OpenCore. Installing OpenCore on Mac Mini using OpenCore Legacy Patcher Installing OpenCore on Mac with disk selection OpenCore Legacy Patcher window showing volumes on disk2. .
    After the installation, confirm the reboot and on this reboot press the Option button to be able to select the media from which to boot.
    Message about successful OpenCore installation and reboot prompt on macOS screen. .
    Selection of bootable media:
    Mac computer boot selection screen showing operating system options. .
    In addition, we then press Control to select the carrier from OpenCore as the default choice:
    Startup disk selection screen with options: SSD, Install macOS Sequoia, and EFI Boot. .
    Select the "Install macOS Sequoia" option:
    macOS installation options screen on a Mac computer. .
    There are not a lot of options to click through, basically just select the target drive (the hard drive from inside the computer):
    macOS Sequoia installation screen with Continue button. .
    We install and wait - but really patiently. In addition, the system will perform several full reboots along the way and the progress bar will start from 0 several times.
    macOS Sequoia installation screen on SSD with time progress. .
    Success. We log in, password as we had before:
    macOS login screen with a forest wallpaper featuring large trees. .
    We give our consent (or not):
    Analytics settings screen in macOS. .
    And after a while we have a new system and our files are still in place:
    Computer screen with open windows showing Mac Mini information and OpenCore-Patcher app. .
    But this is not the end. You still need to perform a Post-Install Root Patch:
    Mac screen displaying OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.0.2 window and application icons. OpenCore Legacy Patcher app window on a Mac screen. .
    The system will suggest a reboot, and....
    Screen displaying a message about the need to reboot after applying Root Patcher on a Mac. .

    Well for me then, after removing the flash drive, the mac would no longer boot. Only one additional step fixed it - you also had to install a patcher for the first partition on the main hard drive, just like before on the flash drive.
    Prohibition symbol icon on a screen background. .
    The patcher itself detects this and proposes it:
    Dialog window for installing OpenCore Legacy Patcher on a Mac. .
    As before - install to disk:
    Mac screen displaying OpenCore Legacy Patcher applications. .
    First partition, but this time with SSD:
    MacBook screen displaying OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.0.2 software. Screen of OpenCore Legacy Patcher installation on a Mac. .
    You can now boot without a flash drive:
    32GB USB drive in front of a computer screen with a blurred forest background. .
    This way the latest macOS (at the time of writing this topic) works correctly on my 2014 Mini.

    In summary, OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher can effectively save us from having to replace old Apple hardware with new. In my case, even macOS Sequoia runs smoothly and efficiently on my 2014 Mac Mini. It has saved me a considerable expense.
    What do you think of this solution? Do you use Apple hardware and, if so, have you tried updating it with Patcher? Feel free to comment.

    Cool? Ranking DIY
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
    About Author
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home  
    Offline 
    p.kaczmarek2 wrote 11922 posts with rating 9984, helped 572 times. Been with us since 2014 year.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #2 21269168
    andrzejlisek
    Level 31  
    I see that in the computer information it says Dual Core Intel i5 like a bull. Is it really x86 or some kind of error in that information? I thought x86 at Apple was a thing of the past and they don't make new macOS on x86 anymore, they've long moved to ARM/M1.

    And if they do make x86 systems all the time though, I wonder if the same method can be used to make a hackintosh on a virtual machine. I used to try various methods from the internet, but there were big problems, either it didn't work or it worked partially, unstable.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #3 21269531
    aadeer
    Level 16  
    The new ones that are coming out are already Apple Silicon only, currently the M3 version, but there are still plenty of Intel ones and they are still quite usable. Below is my "portable" configuration - As long as the battery lasts the few hrs I'm not going to replace it....

    Screenshot of MacBook Air hardware specifications with Intel Core i5 processor.

    Apple used Intel's PCU for many years after the PowerPC adventure ended. As for Hackintoshes, a few years ago I had a post-lease Lenovo Think Centre with a Pentium 4 and 2 GB running Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.6.8 without any problems - I still have the CD with this system on my shelf as a souvenir-exhibit ;) So nowadays it is certainly possible too, perhaps even easier than it used to be. Ready-made macOS images for VM are obtainable on torrents....
  • #4 21271003
    Damian_Max
    Level 19  
    Hm... I would expect that since the OS manufacturer, declares AA system support for >X devices, they may use some hardware acceleration in these OSes that just isn't there in older hardware. Especially when the system manufacturer controls the hardware.
    So I'm curious if there are no such situations (that would be strange), or maybe such a 'patcher' substitutes some system libs, to ones that don't use hardware acceleration (then it works but slower), or maybe it is solved somehow differently?
  • #5 21302859
    Damian_Max
    Level 19  
    @p.kaczmarek2 Did you do the flash drive preparation on the same mac Mini you later reinstalled? I wonder if it can be prepared on another macOS.

    Aaa, I think it is, because on the screenshots it is: Model: macmini7.1
  • #6 21303549
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home  
    I performed all operations on one and the same device, while you asked an interesting question. In the case of a bootable media with Windows or there with Linux I would have no doubt that you can on another device, while here.... let's see:
    https://www.reddit.com/r/OpenCoreLegacyPatche...f/can_i_create_a_usb_installer_that_works_on/
    Interesting...
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #7 21303789
    Damian_Max
    Level 19  
    I guess the installer is universal, because then it wouldn't make sense to have pages like this: https://osxdaily.com/where-download-macos-installers/

    Heh, I've just got an old iMac under 'care', one from 2010 and I'm going to have a service window of a couple of hours at the weekend xD, so I'd like to be as well prepared as possible. And even though it was the outdated system but up-to-date browser the hardware worked fine. Now that support has ended, not all sites work (ex: bank).

    So I'm trying to prepare on two fronts, I logged in there via VNC (using the native Messages/Messages app, a few clicks on the other side and got a remote desktop), and installed that Open Patcher + downloaded macOS, and would like to prepare a flash drive, we'll see if it works xD.
  • #8 21306930
    KarolWojcik1
    Level 4  
    >>21268544 .
    Sir . Respect for your well documented work . I am doing everything according to your instructions on a MacBook 13" 2010 . 16GB RAM and a dual core processor . Everything is going well until the installer appears . Namely the screen where it asks to connect an Apple mouse and keyboard. The system trackpad and keyboard does not work . As a result I cannot proceed any further . Have I done something wrong ? Is it a lack of drivers in my new system ?
  • #9 21307724
    Damian_Max
    Level 19  
    I managed to upgrade my 2010 iMac to the latest macOS according to this manual, thanks a lot!
    There are some problems, like not automatically connecting to wifi, problems with hidpi, some things like it would take longer to load, but maybe it will settle down somehow. Anyway there is the latest browser, and that was the main goal.

    (Karlol's question I can't answer).
  • #10 21318066
    domlux
    Level 1  
    I installed according to your instructions on a 2015 iMac 5k 27 and everything laughs except AirDrop . Nothing can be sent or received . Any advice ?
  • #11 21318510
    uzizagan
    Level 17  
    >>21306930 .
    You need to connect an external keyboard and mouse via the usb2.0 hub for the installation, once installed you fire up the opencore legacy patcher and upload the missing stuff for usb1.1 and other devices (apple has dropped support for usb1.1, and the keyboard and trackpad are bootstrapped with it)
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #12 21322499
    zabson229
    Level 1  
    Hi there, I felt that creating a flash drive with inastalator also took more than 30 minutes.
  • #13 21322506
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home  
    I don't use Aidrop, I'll check with myself @domlux , you can also ask at the source (on Github OpenCore LEgacy Patcher)

    @zabson229 it took a long time, probably 30 minutes or more, in places I thought it had already died, but patience pays off. Although... at the moment I can no longer remember specifically which stage took how much, it was certainly long.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #14 21358872
    redwan7508
    Level 5  
    I thought the limit was the out-of-date TPM chip or the generation of processor.
  • #15 21370002
    davidini
    Level 2  
    Can the above solution be applied only in a different order? Forgive me if the question is naive but I need to resuscitate an imac and I only have experience with windows. Is it possible to create a flash drive with the latest software, replace the drive with a new and clean ssd and build a new system from scratch using this software?
  • #16 21376667
    skopek123
    Level 2  
    you can. I did that on my Pro early 2015 - uploaded sonome everything laughs.
    Patcher 2.2.0 seems to have patched the gaps :) .
  • #17 21379514
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    Hi
    I am new here

    DANUSIA

    I HAVE AN IMAC 27 INCH RETINA 5K 2014 RUNNING ON BIG SUR 11,BUT I WANT TO PIRATE SEQUOUA15.2 AND I HAVE DOWNLOADED OCLP
    AND WHEN IT COMES TO IBINSTALLATION IT REQUIRES USB
    BUT I DON'T WANT USB, I JUST WANT IT ON IMAC, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
    PLEASE HELP
  • #18 21379556
    Ricoh_220

    Level 38  
    Can you write it in understandable language?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #19 21379569
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    I have an iMac 27 inch Retina 5K, currently running Big Sur, would like to install the new Sequoia 15.2 system.
    I have downloaded OCLP. Open Core Legacy Patcher. But when it gets to the end of the installation, the name shows that only USB with RAM can be installed.
    But I don't want USB, I want it normally on my iMac. Please help me what to do. Just like a cow on a lamb, please.

    Without USB it is possible to install?

    Moderated By ArturAVS:

    3.1.13. Publish posts that violate Polish spelling rules, are careless and unintelligible.

    .
  • #20 21382857
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    Good morning

    I have a problem, namely that I have downloaded the
    oclp open core legacy patcher on my imac 27 inch retina 5k year 2014
    currently has os big sur installed.
    But I want to install sequoia 15.2,
    but I do not have usb .
    How do I do it to install sequoia without usb just on the internal drive.

    Moderated By p.kaczmarek2:

    3.1.13. Publish entries that violate the Polish language spelling rules, are careless and incomprehensible.

    Just a verbal warning, but please, for the future, do not abuse caps lock and write understandable posts....

    .
  • #21 21384280
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    and button without usb will not install on imac 27 inch retina 5k,2014 will not install SEQUOIA15,2
    how to do it from the beginning step by step
    I HAVE OCLP DOWNLOADED
    HELP PLEASE

    DANUSIA
  • #23 21384917
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home  
    wetter1966 wrote:
    .
    but I don't have a usb
    how do i do it to install sequoia without usb just on the internal drive

    Don't you have a USB port or don't you have a flash drive? A flash drive is not expensive... On disk I haven't tried, you'd have to see if it makes a difference.

    PS: Please work on your spelling, because it's hard to read and then it makes people less willing to help you....
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #24 21384933
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    I have a pen drive and the spelling is German
  • #25 21384943
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home  
    OK, then you have a flash drive, so if you follow the instructions from the topic (either from the OpenCore Legacy Patcher documentation or from Youtube), at which stage is the problem?

    Have you successfully downloaded OpenCore? Have you successfully uploaded it to the flash drive? And then boot the system from the flash drive?

    PS: or maybe the issue is that the mac 27cali retina 5k year 2014 does not have USB slots? Not likely, according to the internet it does:
    Rear view of ports on the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K from 2014. .
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #26 21384961
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    so far there is a creating installer mac os Sequoia
    Computer screen displaying OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.2.0 with a message about creating a macOS Sequoia installer. .

    Added after 4 [minutes]:

    what to do next
    step by step
    I am a woman and I have never done anything like this before.
    what about when he's done?
    but great thanks for speaking up
    Mac computer screen displaying the OpenCore Legacy Patcher window creating a macOS Sequoia installer.
  • #27 21384995
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home  
    I just hope you are aware of the fact that before any such operation, you should save any valuable data on external media in case of emergency. That is, if you have any important documents or photos that you don't have a copy of. You never know if something might not go wrong.

    For now, everything is going according to plan, so just follow the description in the first post. It also tells you which keys to press if you need to boot.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #28 21385003
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    and what is botting
    the files have already been copied, what do I do next?
    Sir???

    Added after 7 [minutes]:

    where should i write down what he chose
    disc ADATA SU650
    or disc 2 flash disc????
  • #29 21385017
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home  
    I hope you are following the instructions in the first post step by step? If you follow the pictures and description you should be ok.

    Booting is simplifying booting, you have in the body of the first post it says you then have to press Control.

    If you are unsure of the terms you can also try looking up descriptions on the internet/Google, there is plenty of material about this on the net.

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    wetter1966 wrote:
    .
    where should i write down what he chose
    ADATA SU650 disc
    or disc 2 flash disc????
    .
    So you are at this stage from the instructions?
    Screens displaying OpenCore Legacy Patcher settings with macOS installer and USB drive selection. .
    If yes then flash disk, that's your memory stick. Just remember - this will erase the data on the flash drive, so as if there's anything important on there, back it up first or get another flash drive.

    The images on the forum can be enlarged, then you can see more, also you can see what I chose.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #30 21385020
    wetter1966
    Level 7  
    I know the internet is full of it, but you are so kind to advise me
    please stay step by step write me what to do please
    I do not want to spoil anything
    please

    Danusia

    Added after 13 [minutes]:

    there are images blurred from the 1st post nothing can be seen

    Added after 1 [minute]:

    the images on the forum are blurred you can't see anything but a little better from Mr.

    Added after 14 [minutes]:

    I didn't manage to squeeze in sequoia and imac
    iMac screen with Apple logo on dark background. stands still with apple
    side what now???

    Added after 3 [hours] 54 [minutes]: .

    failed to install why I don't know
Reply Cool? Ranking DIY | New topic
Notify about new articles
Report a violation of the law

Topic summary

The discussion revolves around installing the latest macOS versions (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia) on older Apple devices using the OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP). Users share their experiences and challenges, including hardware compatibility issues, the necessity of a USB drive for installation, and troubleshooting steps for various models like the Mac Mini and iMac. Key points include the importance of having sufficient RAM (8GB recommended), potential driver issues during installation, and the need for external peripherals (keyboard and mouse) for successful setup. Users also discuss the possibility of creating a bootable USB installer on different Macs and the performance of older hardware post-upgrade.
Summary generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT