3 Tested Methods to Download & Install macOS 12 Monterey for Free [2024 Guide]

Overview of macOS 12 Monterey (New Features & Improvements)

< a href="/knowledge-center/what-is-macos-monterey.html">macOS 12 Monterey< /a> was introduced at WWDC 2021 and released in the fall of 2021. It is a free update for Macs running macOS 11 Big Sur. This macOS comes with several new features, including:

AirPlay to Mac: This feature enables users to wirelessly extend their Mac display to an Apple TV or another Mac.

Universal Control: This enables users to control multiple devices with a single keyboard and mouse.

Shortcuts: This provides users with quick access to frequently used features and apps.

Safari improvements: This includes a new Privacy Report feature that displays which trackers are blocked on each website, as well as a redesigned start page that simplifies access to saved passwords and favorites.

Maps: This includes a new Explore tab that makes it easy to find places to eat, shop, and play near you.

Messages: This encompasses enhancements to group chats, like the capability to mention specific members within a group chat and the ability to react to individual messages.

To verify compatibility, visit the App Store and click on the "Updates" tab. macOS 12 Monterey requires macOS 11 Big Sur or later, along with 4GB of memory.

Recover and Export Data Before macOS Monterey Installation

Before downloading macOS Monterey, there's an important consideration to keep in mind. The installation process might erase your data. If you opt to create a bootable media and proceed with installing macOS, your data on the hard drive will be erased. Hence, it is crucial to back up your data beforehand to avoid any potential loss.

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a professional software solution designed to retrieve lost data from your Mac computer. It is compatible with all iterations of macOS, including macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina. This data recovery tool boasts numerous practical features that set it apart from others.

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a dependable and efficient data recovery software that aids in retrieving lost data from macOS Monterey. To recover your data, follow these steps: 1. Download and install Data Recovery Wizard for Mac on your Mac computer. 2. Launch the software and select the type of files you wish to recover (e.g., documents, photos, videos, or emails). 3. Choose the location where your data was originally stored. If you're not sure, select the entire hard drive. 4. Initiate the scan by clicking on "Start Scan" or opt for a "Deep Scan" for a more thorough search. 5. Wait for the scanning process to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of the selected storage area. 6. Once the scan is finished, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Preview them to ensure they are the ones you need. 7. Select the files you want to recover and click on "Recover" to save them to a safe location on your Mac or an external storage device. Remember to avoid saving the recovered files to the same location from which they were lost to prevent potential data overwriting.

Step 1. Search for Lost Files

Choose the disk location to search for missing files (this can be an internal HDD/SSD or a removable storage device) on macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and the most recent Sonoma. Click the "Search for lost files" button.

Heads up: Before you try data recovery, it's recommended to click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar and create a backup for your Mac to prevent further data loss. After backing up, the software can restore data from the Mac backup, and your computer can then write new data.

Step 2. Review the scanning results

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results.

Step 3. Select the file(s) and recover Choose the file(s) you wish to recover and proceed with the recovery process.

In the scan results, choose the file(s) you wish to preview and click the "Recover" button to retrieve them.

3 Ways to Download macOS Monterey ISO/PKG/IPSW in English: 1. Download macOS Monterey ISO: To obtain the macOS Monterey ISO file, you typically need to purchase and install it from the Mac App Store. However, Apple doesn't officially provide direct downloads for ISO files. You can create an ISO image from the installer app using third-party tools like Disk Utility or online resources. Here's a general outline: - Install macOS Monterey from the Mac App Store. - Use Disk Utility to create a bootable USB drive with the installer. - During the process, you can save the ISO image of macOS Monterey. 2. Download macOS Monterey PKG: The PKG (Package) file is used for installing macOS updates or applications on your Mac. To download the macOS Monterey PKG, follow these steps: - Open the Mac App Store and sign in with your Apple ID. - Search for "macOS Monterey" and select the appropriate version. - Click on the "Get" or "Download" button to initiate the installation process. - The installer will be downloaded as a PKG file in your "Applications" folder. 3. Download macOS Monterey IPSW: IPSW (iOS Software Update) files are mainly used for firmware updates on Apple devices, including Macs. To download the macOS Monterey IPSW file, you can use the following method: - Visit an official Apple developer website or trusted third-party forums that share IPSW links. - Look for the specific IPSW file corresponding to your Mac model and macOS Monterey version. - Download the IPSW file, then use software like iTunes or Finder to install it on your Mac. Please note that downloading macOS files from unofficial sources carries potential risks, so always ensure you're using reputable and secure websites.

Now that you've exported your Mac data to another location, you can proceed to download the macOS Monterey ISO/PKG/IPSW/DMG files onto your MacBook.

Method 1: Download macOS Monterey from the Mac App Store

You can directly download macOS Monterey from the Mac App Store. Here are the steps to download macOS 12: 1. Open the Mac App Store on your Mac. 2. Click on the "Featured" tab at the top left corner of the screen. 3. Scroll down until you find the "Upgrade to macOS Monterey" section. 4. If prompted, click on the "Get" button next to macOS Monterey. It might say "Update" if you have an eligible device and it's not already updated. 5. Click on "Download" to initiate the download process. You might need to authenticate with your Apple ID and password or use Touch ID/Face ID, depending on your Mac model. 6. Once the download is complete, the installation process will begin automatically, or you can find the installer in your Applications folder and double-click to start. 7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Remember to back up your important data before installing any major software update.

Open the macOS Monterey download link. Click the Download option.

When the download is finished, the macOS Monterey installer will be located in the /Applications folder.

Method 2: Download macOS Monterey via Software Update

Another way to download macOS Monterey is through Software Update. This allows you to check for available updates for your applications as well as the current version of macOS.

1. Go to Software Update. 2. Click on the "Upgrade Now" button.

Next, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install macOS Monterey.

Method 3: Download macOS Monterey PKG Files

You can acquire macOS 12 with the assistance of InstallAssistant.pkg. This is a convenient tool that facilitates the downloading and installation of macOS Ventura, Monterey, and Big Sur. Simply open the package, choose the "Download macOS Monterey" option, and proceed with the on-screen instructions. The process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes of your time.

• Download macOS Monterey 12.6

If you continue to experience issues, you can watch the macOS Monterey download video for further assistance.

1. 0:44 First way: System Preferences - Software Update
2. 3:02 Second way: Downloading from the Mac App Store
3. 3:56 Third way: One-click download of Monterey InstallAssistant.pkg

How to Install macOS 12 Monterey (with Video Tutorial)

Once the download is finished, the installer will launch automatically. Simply follow the steps outlined in this guide to install macOS Monterey.

Step 1. Click "Restart Now"

Step 2. Wait for macOS Monterey to load. You can watch this video for additional assistance.

• 3:12 Restart your Mac
• 3:17 Wait patiently
• 3:28 Set up your Mac

"MacOS Monterey Download Frequently Asked Questions"

Here are some commonly asked questions about downloading and installing macOS. Continue reading for further assistance.

< strong > 1. Why can't I install Monterey on my Mac? < /strong > You might encounter issues installing Monterey on your Mac for several reasons. Here are some common troubleshooting steps: 1. **Check System Compatibility**: Ensure that your Mac model is compatible with macOS Monterey. Visit Apple's official website for the [list of supported Mac models](https://www.apple.com/macos/monterey/). If your Mac isn't on the list, it won't be able to run the new operating system. 2. **Software Updates**: Make sure your current macOS version is up to date. Go to "System Preferences" > "Software Update" to check for any available updates. 3. **Backup Data**: Before any major update, it's recommended to back up your data using Time Machine or another reliable backup method. 4. **Disk Space**: Check if you have enough free disk space. Monterey installation typically requires at least 35GB of free space. To free up space, delete unnecessary files, apps, or use the "Optimize Storage" feature in "System Preferences." 5. **Restart Your Mac**: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve installation issues. 6. **Download Again**: If you've downloaded the installer, try redownloading it from the App Store. Go to the "Purchased" tab and locate macOS Monterey. 7. **Clean Install**: Create a bootable USB installer and perform a clean installation. Detailed instructions can be found on Apple's support page. 8. **Contact Apple Support**: If the issue persists, reach out to [Apple Support](https://getsupport.apple.com/) for further assistance or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

If you're experiencing issues with unable to install macOS Ventura, here are the possible reasons:

• Your device is not compatible with the new OS
• The disk space is insufficient for installing macOS Monterey
• Poor network connections and other Monterey-related issues

2. How to download and install macOS Big Sur? To download and install macOS Big Sur, follow these steps: 1. **Backup Your Data**: Before starting the installation process, make sure to backup your important files and data using Time Machine or any other reliable backup method. 2. **Check Compatibility**: Ensure your Mac is compatible with macOS Big Sur. It supports the following models: - MacBook Air (2013 and later) - MacBook Pro (2013 and later) - Mac mini (2014 and later) - iMac (2013 and later) - iMac Pro (2017 and later) - Mac Pro (2013 and 2019) 3. **Update Your Current macOS**: Go to "System Preferences" > "Software Update" to ensure you have the latest version of macOS that can be upgraded to Big Sur. 4. **Download macOS Big Sur**: Open the App Store on your Mac, then click on the "Featured" tab at the top. Scroll down and find "macOS Big Sur" under the "Free" section. Click on "Get" and authenticate with your Apple ID if prompted. 5. **Install the Update**: Once the download is complete, the installer will launch automatically. Click on "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions. You'll have the option to choose the disk where you want to install the update. 6. **Agree to Terms and Conditions**: Agree to the software license agreements and confirm your installation preferences. 7. **Wait for Installation**: The installation process may take some time, so be patient. Your Mac might restart during this process. 8. **Finish Setup**: After the installation is complete, your Mac will restart, and you'll be guided through the initial setup process of macOS Big Sur. Remember, the installation process may vary slightly depending on your Mac model and current macOS version.

To download macOS Big Sur, click on this link: Download macOS Big Sur.

Step 1. Go to the macOS Big Sur download page and download the macOS Big Sur installer.

Step 2. Click on the Get button next to macOS Big Sur.

3. Is macOS Monterey available for all Macs? No, macOS Monterey is not available for all Mac models. It is compatible with the following Macs: - MacBook Air (2015 and later) - MacBook Pro (2016 and later) - iMac (2015 and later) - iMac Pro (2017 and later) - Mac mini (2014 and later) - Mac Pro (2013 and later) To check if your Mac is compatible, go to the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report, and then look for the "MacOS" section to see if it supports macOS Monterey.

macOS Monterey Compatibility:

• iMac (Late 2015 or later)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• MacBook (Early 2016 or later)
• MacBook Air (Early 2015 or later)
• MacBook Pro (Early 2015 or later)
• Mac Mini (Late 2014 or later)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or later)

Conclusion

macOS Monterey is a complimentary update that introduces several new features and enhancements to macOS, such as a redesigned Lock screen, updated CarPlay capabilities, and an enhanced Messages app. The macOS Monterey download is available right here. Simply acquire this operating system and revel in its offerings.

If you encounter data loss issues on macOS Monterey, you can utilize Mac hard drive recovery tools software to restore lost data with just a few simple clicks.