How to Download and Install macOS 12 Monterey on Your Mac
macOS 12 Monterey is the latest version of Apple's operating system for Mac computers. It was released on October 25, 2021, and brings a host of new features and improvements to enhance your Mac experience. Whether you want to connect more easily with your friends and family using FaceTime and SharePlay, work more productively across your Apple devices using Universal Control and Shortcuts, or browse the web more securely and smoothly using Safari, macOS 12 Monterey has something for everyone.
In this article, we will show you how to download and install macOS 12 Monterey on your Mac. We will also help you check if your Mac is compatible with the new OS, how to back up your data before upgrading, and how to troubleshoot some common problems that may arise during the installation process.
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How to Check If Your Mac Is Compatible with macOS 12 Monterey
Before you download and install macOS 12 Monterey, you need to make sure that your Mac can run it. Not all Mac models are compatible with the new OS, so you need to check if yours is on the list.
According to Apple, these are the Mac models that can run macOS 12 Monterey:
iMac: Late 2015 and later
iMac Pro: 2017 and later
MacBook Air: Early 2015 and later
MacBook Pro: Early 2015 and later
Mac Pro: Late 2013 and later
Mac mini: Late 2014 and later
MacBook: Early 2016 and later
If you are not sure which model or year your Mac is, you can find out by clicking on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and choosing About This Mac. You will see a window that shows your Mac model, year, processor, memory, storage, graphics, serial number, and macOS version.
You can also check your macOS version by clicking on the Software Update button in the same window. You will see if there is an update available for your Mac, and if it is macOS 12 Monterey or not.
How to Back Up Your Mac Before Upgrading to macOS 12 Monterey
Whenever you upgrade your operating system, it is always a good idea to back up your data first. This way, you can avoid losing any important files or settings in case something goes wrong during the installation process.
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There are different ways to back up your Mac, but one of the easiest and most reliable methods is using Time Machine. Time Machine is a built-in feature of macOS that automatically backs up your entire system to an external hard drive or a network-attached storage device. You can also use Time Machine to restore your Mac from a backup if needed.
To use Time Machine, you need an external hard drive or a network-attached storage device that has enough space to store your data. You also need to format the drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility.
Once you have prepared your backup drive, follow these steps to set up Time Machine:
Connect your backup drive Click on the Apple menu and choose System Preferences
Click on Time Machine
Click on Select Backup Disk and choose your backup drive from the list
Click on Use Disk and confirm your choice
Turn on the switch next to Back Up Automatically
Time Machine will start backing up your Mac in the background. You can see the progress and status of your backup by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar. You can also manually start, stop, or resume a backup by clicking on the same icon.
If you don't have an external hard drive or a network-attached storage device, you can also use other methods to back up your Mac, such as using iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud services. However, these methods may not be as comprehensive or reliable as using Time Machine, and they may require more storage space and internet bandwidth.
How to Download and Install macOS 12 Monterey Using Software Update
The easiest and most recommended way to download and install macOS 12 Monterey on your Mac is using Software Update. This is a built-in feature of macOS that automatically checks for updates and downloads them for you. You can also use Software Update to check for updates manually and install them when you are ready.
To use Software Update, follow these steps:
Make sure your Mac is connected to a power source and a stable internet connection
Click on the Apple menu and choose System Preferences
Click on Software Update
If there is an update available for your Mac, you will see a message saying "macOS 12 Monterey" with a description of the new features and improvements
Click on Upgrade Now to start downloading the update
Once the download is complete, you will see a message saying "Ready to install" with a countdown timer
Click on Install Now to start installing the update
Your Mac will restart and show a progress bar with an estimated time remaining
Wait for the installation to finish and follow any on-screen instructions to set up macOS 12 Monterey
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded and installed macOS 12 Monterey on your Mac using Software Update. You can now enjoy the new features and improvements of the new OS.
How to Download and Install macOS 12 Monterey Using a Bootable Installer
If you are having trouble downloading or installing macOS 12 Monterey using Software Update, or if you want to have more control over the installation process, you can also use a bootable installer. A bootable installer is a USB drive or an external drive that contains the macOS 12 Monterey installer. You can use it to install macOS 12 Monterey on your Mac or on another Mac that is compatible with the new OS.
To use a bootable installer, you need a USB drive or an external drive that has at least 16 GB of storage space. You also need to format the drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility.
Once you have prepared your bootable installer drive, follow these steps to create a bootable installer:
Download the macOS 12 Monterey installer from the App Store or from this link: (
Once the download is complete, quit the installer if it opens automatically
Connect your bootable installer drive to your Mac
Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities or by using Spotlight Search
Type or paste this command in Terminal: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ 12\ Beta.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
Replace /Volumes/MyVolume with the name of your bootable installer drive
Press Return and enter your administrator password when prompted
Press Y to confirm that you want to erase your bootable installer drive and create a bootable installer
Wait for the process to complete. You will see a message saying "Done" when it is finished
Eject your bootable installer drive and disconnect it from your Mac
You have now created a bootable installer for macOS 12 Monterey. You can use it to install macOS 12 Monterey on your Mac or on another Mac by following these steps:
Connect your bootable installer drive to your Mac or another Mac that is compatible with macOS 12 Monterey
Restart your Mac or another Mac and hold down the Option key until you see a list of available startup disks
Select your bootable installer drive from the list and press Enter
Choose your language and follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS 12 Monterey
Wait for the installation to finish and follow any on-screen instructions to set up macOS 12 Monterey
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded and installed macOS 12 Monterey on your Mac or another Mac using a bootable installer. You can now enjoy the new features and improvements of the new OS.
Conclusion
macOS 12 Monterey is the latest and greatest version of Apple's operating system for Mac computers. It offers a range of new features and improvements that make your Mac experience more enjoyable, productive, and secure. Whether you want to connect more easily with your friends and family using FaceTime and SharePlay, work more productively across your Apple devices using Universal Control and Shortcuts, or browse the web more securely and smoothly using Safari, macOS 12 Monterey has something for everyone.
In this article, we have shown you how to download and install macOS 12 Monterey on your Mac using two different methods: Software Update and a bootable installer. We have also helped you check if your Mac is compatible with the new OS, how to back up your data before upgrading, and how to troubleshoot some common problems that may arise during the installation process.
We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
FAQs
What are the system requirements for macOS 12 Monterey?
The system requirements for macOS 12 Monterey are:
A compatible Mac model (see above)
At least 4 GB of memory (RAM)
At least 35.5 GB of available storage space
A stable internet connection
An Apple ID (optional but recommended)
How long does it take to download and install macOS 12 Monterey?
The time it takes to download and install macOS 12 Monterey depends on several factors, such as your internet speed, your Mac model, your storage space, and your backup method. However, as a general estimate, you can expect the following:
Downloading the update: about 15 minutes to an hour or more
Installing the update: about 30 minutes to an hour or more
Please note that these are approximate times and may vary depending on your situation. It is advisable to allow plenty of time for the download and installation process and not to interrupt it once it has started.
How can I free up storage space on my Mac before upgrading to macOS 12 Monterey?
If you are running low on storage space on your Mac, you may need to free up some space before upgrading to macOS 12 Monterey. Here are some tips to do so:
Delete any files or apps that you don't need or use anymore
Empty your Trash bin regularly
Use the Storage Management tool in System Preferences > About This Mac > Storage > Manage to optimize your storage usage
Move some of your files or apps to an external hard drive or a cloud service
Use a third-party app like CleanMyMac X or DaisyDisk to scan and clean your Mac
How can I downgrade from macOS 12 Monterey to an older version of macOS?
If you are not happy with macOS 12 Monterey or encounter any issues that prevent you from using it properly, you may want to downgrade to an older version of macOS that works better for you. However, downgrading is not a simple or straightforward process, and it involves some risks and challenges. Here are some steps to do so:
Back up your data using Time Machine or another method
Erase your Mac's startup disk using Disk Utility in Recovery Mode
Reinstall an older version of macOS using a bootable installer or Internet Recovery Mode
Restore your data from your backup or set up your Mac as new
Please note that downgrading may cause some compatibility issues with some of your apps or files, and you may lose some data or settings that were created or changed in macOS 12 Monterey. Therefore, it is advisable to only downgrade if absolutely necessary and after trying other solutions first.
How can I get help or support for macOS 12 Monterey?
If you need help or support for macOS 12 Monterey, you have several options to get help or support from Apple or other sources. Here are some of them:
Visit the official macOS 12 Monterey website ( to learn more about the new features and improvements of the new OS
Visit the official macOS 12 Monterey support website ( to find answers to common questions, troubleshooting tips, and user guides
Contact Apple Support ( to get in touch with an Apple expert via phone, chat, email, or in-person
Make a Genius Bar reservation ( to get technical support or repair service at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
Join the Apple Support Communities ( to ask questions, share tips, and get advice from other Mac users and experts
We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you. 44f88ac181