How to get a bootable installer.

I tried to download the Catalina installer from this link ( How to create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support ), but its only downloading it as an update, rather than as a installer application like i need. How do i get it to download in the way I need?


Info: I have Monterey, and I'm trying to download Catalina onto a separate volume, and the apple support articles led me to this.


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Sep 25, 2022 7:12 AM

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Posted on Sep 25, 2022 7:15 AM

To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer


The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer 


This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer. Example : Bootable Installer of Catalina would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Catalina.


Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.


Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.

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Sep 25, 2022 7:15 AM in response to Jamboii_XD

To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer


The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer 


This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer. Example : Bootable Installer of Catalina would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Catalina.


Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.


Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.

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Sep 25, 2022 7:27 AM in response to Jamboii_XD

What makes you think the download from those links is an Update and not the installer?

What is the OS version on the Mac you are using to download the installer? If you are running an OS prior to Catalina, you may get what is referred to as a "stub" installer which cannot be used to create a bootable installer.

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Sep 25, 2022 7:37 AM in response to Jamboii_XD

Followup " Info: I have Monterey, and I'm trying to download Catalina onto a separate volume, and the apple support articles led me to this. "


This implies the computer being used to perform this action s running Monterey.


Does his computer Qualify to run macOS 10.15 Catalina as per info already supplied ?

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How to get a bootable installer.

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