For most users, it's recommended to run the latest version of macOS for the best performance, security, and compatibility. If you're on an older Mac that can't run the latest macOS, consider upgrading to a newer Mac or consulting Apple's support resources for advice tailored to your situation.
Many users are surprised to learn that Apple still hosts a direct download link for the High Sierra installer. This is the safest, most trusted source. However, it is not a simple .dmg; it is an .app bundle wrapped in a .dmg structure.
Steps:
Note: If the official Apple link is dead (Apple occasionally retires them), proceed to Method 2 or 3.
When Apple’s official links eventually expire, community-maintained archives step in. The most trusted sources include:
Red flags for third-party sites:
If you have downloaded the application from the links above and need a DMG file for backup or installation on a VM (Virtual Machine), follow these steps:
When searching for DMG files online, you will find many third-party websites offering direct downloads. Be extremely cautious.
Downloading modified macOS DMG files from unverified forums or "software archive" sites can expose your Mac to malware, hidden crypto-miners, or compromised system files.
Best Practice: Always download the installer via the official Apple link (Method 1). If you must use a third-party source, verify the SHA-1 or MD5 checksum of the file against a known database to ensure the file hasn't been tampered with.
Some trusted Mac admin sites host old installers, but check the SHA checksum before running. Example:
⚠️ Never download from random torrent or forum links – risk of malware. download macos high sierra 10.13.6 dmg mac
Cause: Expired certificate. Apple periodically re-signs old installers. If the certificate is older than your system date, you’ll see this error.
Fix:
Open Terminal and set the date back to 2018:
date 0925120018
Then run the installer. After installation, reset the date automatically:
sudo sntp -sS time.apple.com
While macOS High Sierra is now considered "vintage" software, it remains a vital operating system for many older Macs and power users.
Disclaimer: macOS High Sierra is the property of Apple Inc. This guide is for educational purposes to assist with legitimate software installation.
How to Download macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 DMG for Mac MacOS High Sierra (version 10.13.6) remains a vital operating system for users with older Mac hardware or those who need to run specific legacy software. Whether you are performing a clean install, reviving an older machine, or creating a bootable installer, obtaining a reliable macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 DMG is the first essential step.
In this guide, we will cover the official and safe methods to download the installer and how to prepare it for use. Why You Might Need macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Released in 2018, version 10.13.6 was the final security and stability update for the High Sierra line. It is particularly popular because:
Hardware Compatibility: It supports many Mac models from 2009 to 2011 that cannot run newer versions like Mojave or Catalina.
APFS Refinement: It solidified the Apple File System (APFS), making SSDs faster and more reliable.
Legacy Support: It is one of the last versions to support certain 32-bit applications before Apple moved exclusively to 64-bit. Method 1: Download via the Mac App Store (Official) For most users, it's recommended to run the
The safest way to get the macOS High Sierra installer is directly from Apple. While it is no longer searchable in the App Store, the link remains active on Apple's support servers.
Open the Official Support Page: Navigate to Apple's How to download and install macOS page.
Locate High Sierra: Scroll down to the "Use Safari to download macOS" section and click the link for macOS High Sierra.
App Store Redirection: Safari will prompt you to open the App Store. Click "Open App Store."
Download: Click the "Get" or "Download" button. The file will download to your /Applications folder as "Install macOS High Sierra.app." Method 2: Download Using the Terminal
If the App Store method fails or you are on a newer Mac and want to download the installer for a different machine, you can use the softwareupdate command in Terminal (available on macOS Catalina and later). Open Terminal.
Type the following command and press Enter:softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6
The installer will be saved directly to your Applications folder. How to Create a Bootable USB Installer
Once you have the installer file in your Applications folder, you may want to convert it into a bootable USB drive rather than just keeping a DMG. This is useful for clean installations.
Connect a USB Drive: Ensure it has at least 12GB of space and is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Name it MyVolume.
Run the Creator Command: Open Terminal and paste the following:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume Many users are surprised to learn that Apple
Authenticate: Enter your admin password and wait for the process to complete. Converting the App to a DMG
If you specifically need a .dmg file for virtualization (like VirtualBox or VMware), you can use the Disk Utility tool: Open Disk Utility. Go to File > New Image > Image from Folder.
Select the "Install macOS High Sierra.app" from your Applications folder.
Choose "Compressed" as the format and save it to your desktop. Safety Warning
Avoid downloading macOS DMG files from third-party "mirror" sites or torrents. These files are often tampered with and may contain malware or compromised security certificates. Always use the official Apple links or Terminal commands to ensure the integrity of your operating system.
Downloading and installing macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 is a common task for reviving older Macs or creating stable virtual environments. While Apple has made it less visible in the App Store, you can still access official versions and create bootable installers for various needs. Official Ways to Get macOS High Sierra App Store Direct Link : You can find the macOS High Sierra App Store page
by using this specific link, as it won't typically show up in a general store search. Apple Support Updates
: If you already have a version of High Sierra and need the 10.13.6 patch, you can download the 10.13.6 Update 10.13.6 Combo Update directly from Apple's support site. Mist Utility
: A highly recommended third-party tool for modern Macs (including Apple Silicon) is the
. It connects directly to Apple's servers to download full installers and can automatically format a USB drive into a bootable installer. Creating a Bootable Installer (DMG/USB)
Creating a physical installer is the best way to handle multiple machines or perform a clean install. Format the Drive Disk Utility to format a USB drive (8GB+) as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) GUID Partition Map Terminal Command
: If you have the "Install macOS High Sierra.app" in your Applications folder, run the following in Terminal:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume (Replace 'MyVolume' with your USB drive's actual name) Cross-Platform Tools : On a Windows PC, you can use software like UUByte DMG Editor to "burn" a High Sierra DMG to a USB drive. Microsoft Community Hub Key Features of Version 10.13.6 macOS High Sierra - App Store