This version of OS X 10.11 cannot be installed on this MacBook

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Level 1

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This version of OS X 10.11 cannot be installed on this MacBook

I cannot get internet download to work for an older Mac to run El Capitan. The problem is this. It starts downloading the software. After 14-15 minutes the download restarts. after another 15 min the screen reverts back to the utilities screen. Second issue I'm trying to create a bootable usb: I have a newer Mac that is running Ventura 13.1. Download El Capitan. install it into the applications folder as a .pkg file but cannot open it. double click .pkg file, box opens up and says "This version of OS X 10.11 cannot be installed on this computer." What do I n

eed to do to get this software installed on older MacBook. thanks in advance. Pete.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook, OS X 10.11

Posted on Dec 26, 2022 8:44 AM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

67,280 points

Dec 26, 2022 3:56 PM in response to gldgrk

In order to create a bootable macOS 10.11 USB installer will require access to another Mac from 2008 to 2015. It is unfortunate that Apple puts such restrictions on creating a bootable macOS installer since people are usually trying to do so when the computer in question is not booting normally. I did come across some instructions for using the command line to extract the files from the .pkg file and create a bootable macOS 10.11 USB installer, but I don't have a link at the moment and besides the last time I checked people had notes saying that the instructions no longer worked with the current macOS 10.11 installer since Apple changed it once again. Those instructions were confusing anyway even for someone who is familiar with the command line.

You can use the information in this article to confirm which Apple hardware is compatible with macOS 10.11 and can be used to create the macOS 10.11 USB installer:

https://eshop.macsales.com/guides/Mac_OS_X_Compatibility

If the Mac you are trying to install macOS 10.11 is a Late 2009 to 2015 Mac, then that Mac can run macOS 10.13+ which would give you options for creating a bootable macOS 10.13+ USB installer.

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This version of OS X 10.11 cannot be installed on this MacBook

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