| Error | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| “This copy of the Install macOS High Sierra application is damaged” | Set date back to 2017–2019: sudo date 0101010117 (Jan 1 2017) then run installer. |
| “Can’t be verified, was deleted during download” | Redownload using softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer – never move the installer from /Applications until after first run. |
| DMG won’t mount | Corrupt download – re-download and verify SHA-256. |
| Installer stuck on “less than a minute remaining” | Reboot to Recovery Mode, open Terminal, run resetpassword (sounds odd but resets installer locks). |
Searching for “download mac os high sierra 10136 dmg” brings dozens of sketchy forums and file repositories. Most are unsafe.
Never download from:
A verified DMG means its hash matches Apple’s original:
macOS High Sierra (version 10.13.6) remains one of the most sought-after operating systems for older Mac hardware. Whether you need to reinstall the OS on a MacBook Pro from 2011, create a bootable USB installer for repairs, or run a virtual machine, finding a verified download link is essential.
Because Apple often removes older OS versions from the standard App Store search, finding a safe installer can be difficult. This guide provides verified download methods, safety checks, and installation instructions.
Open Terminal and run:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/macOS\ High\ Sierra\ 10.13.6
Wait 10–20 minutes. The app writes a bootable installer to the DMG volume.
Eject the DMG in Disk Utility – you now have a verified bootable DMG that matches Apple’s official installer structure.
Checksum verification: After creating the DMG, run:
shasum -a 256 /path/to/your.dmg
Compare it with known good hash from Apple forums (example only – do not trust random online hashes unless cross-referenced). The safest verification: the DMG was created directly from Apple’s signed.app.
Introduction Despite being released in 2017, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) remains a critical operating system for many users. Whether you are holding onto an older MacBook Pro, need to run 32-bit applications (which were discontinued in macOS Catalina), or require a specific environment for software development, High Sierra is often the last stop for vintage Mac hardware.
However, finding a verified installation file today can be tricky. Apple has moved High Sierra to the "obsolete" list in some support documents, and the official App Store link often redirects to the latest macOS instead. This guide provides the safest method to download the verified 10.13.6 DMG and explains how to confirm the file's integrity.
Open Safari (not Chrome or Firefox). Use this direct link:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-high-sierra/id1246284741?mt=12
Note: The page will say “Get.” Clicking it will open the Mac App Store.
Do not download a raw "DMG" from third-party sites. Instead, use Apple’s official installer package via the App Store link or the softwareupdate terminal command. This guarantees the software is verified, unmodified, and safe to run on your older Mac hardware.
Downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 is a common necessity for users maintaining older hardware or developers testing software compatibility. Released in 2018, this version remains a vital bridge for machines that cannot run the latest versions of macOS like Sonoma or Sequoia. This guide provides the most reliable methods to obtain a verified DMG or installer file. Why You Might Need macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
While Apple has officially moved on to newer operating systems, High Sierra remains relevant for several reasons:
Hardware Compatibility: It is the final OS for many late-2009 to 2011 Mac models.
NVIDIA Support: It is the last version to support web drivers for many NVIDIA graphics cards.
Performance: It introduced the Apple File System (APFS), which significantly improves speed on SSD-equipped Macs.
Legacy Software: Certain older professional applications require the specific architecture of 10.13 to function without errors. Official Download Method: The Mac App Store
The safest way to get a verified copy is directly from Apple. Although you cannot find High Sierra by simply searching the App Store on a modern Mac, Apple provides direct links through their support pages.
Open your browser and navigate to the official Apple Support page for "How to download and install macOS." Locate the link for macOS High Sierra 10.13. This link will redirect you to the Mac App Store. Click Get or the Download icon.
The installer will download to your /Applications folder as "Install macOS High Sierra.app."
Note: If your current Mac is running a significantly newer OS (like macOS Ventura or Sonoma), the App Store may block the download, stating the OS is "too old" for your machine. In this case, you will need to use the Terminal method. The Professional Method: Terminal Commands
If the App Store fails, you can use the softwareupdate tool built into macOS. This fetches the files directly from Apple’s servers, ensuring the download is authentic and unhampered by third-party malware. Open Terminal (Cmd + Space, type "Terminal").
Copy and paste the following command:softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6 Press Enter.
Terminal will download the installer directly into your Applications folder. Creating a DMG from the Installer
Apple typically provides an .app file, but if you specifically need a .dmg for virtualization (like VirtualBox or VMware) or for archival purposes, you can create one yourself once the installer is downloaded. Open Terminal. Use the hdiutil command to create a blank disk image.
Mount the image and use the createinstallmedia tool located inside the High Sierra app package to "burn" the installer onto that disk image. Convert the resulting image to a .dmg or .iso format. Verifying Your Download
To ensure your download is "verified" and has not been tampered with, you should check the SHA-256 checksum. A verified file should match the hash values published by the developer community for that specific build (Build 17G66). To check your file’s hash: In Terminal, type shasum -a 256 followed by a space. Drag your downloaded file into the Terminal window.
Press Enter and compare the resulting string of characters to known-good values found on reputable Mac admin forums. Important Safety Warning
Avoid downloading macOS DMGs from "free software" sites, torrents, or unofficial mirrors. These files are often modified to include "malware," "keyloggers," or "adware." Always prioritize Apple's own servers using the App Store or Terminal methods described above to ensure your system's security.
To help you get started with the installation, could you tell me:
Are you installing this on a physical Mac or a Virtual Machine? Do you need to create a bootable USB drive? What is the model/year of the computer you are targeting?
I can provide the specific Terminal commands to format your drive and create the bootable media.