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This is the most common option. On the current startup volume drive, you perform a clean install of the El Capitan OS X. Empty Volume Installation. In this type of installation, the startup drive is not involved. It is the easiest option as all you need to do is to install the operating system on an empty volume. If OS X El Capitan came preinstalled on your new Mac, you’ll probably never need this article until you decide to sell it. At that time, it’s a good idea to erase the disk and install a fresh copy of OS X for the next owner. If you’re thinking about reinstalling because something has gone.

To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility, and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.

Learn how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.

Check compatibility

If a macOS installer can't be used on your Mac, the installer will let you know. For example, it might say that it's too old to be opened on this version of macOS, or that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation.

To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite. You can also find compatibility information on the product-ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro.

Make a backup

Before installing, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.

Download macOS

It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable internet connection.

Safari uses these links to find the old installers in the App Store. After downloading from the App Store, the installer opens automatically.

• macOS Catalina 10.15 can upgrade Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks
• macOS Mojave 10.14 can upgrade High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion
• macOS High Sierra 10.13 can upgrade Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion

Safari downloads the following older installers as a disk image named InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It installs an app named Install [Version Name]. Open that app from your Applications folder to begin installing the operating system.

• macOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion
• OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard
• OS X Yosemite 10.10can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard

Install macOS

Follow the onscreen instructions in the installer. It might be easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.

If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.

Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs macOS and related firmware updates.

Learn more

You might also be able to use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.

On this page:

• Reinstall El Capitan on a computer alreadyrunning it

Upgrade from previous versions to OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)

1. From the Apple menu, select App Store....
2. When the App Store opens, search for and download El Capitan. If you don't already have an Apple ID, you'll need to create one. You can monitor the download process in the 'Purchased' section of the App Store.
3. Once the download is complete, the installer should automatically open.

   If it doesn't, or you don't want to complete the installation at this time, you can come back later and double-click Install OS X El Capitan in your Applications folder.

   Within the installer, click Continue, agree to the license agreement, and then choose the disk where you want to install El Capitan.

   After you begin the installation, your computer may need to restart more than once before finishing, and then you may be asked to enter basic information.

4. From the Apple menu, select App Store..., and then install any available updates.

Reinstall El Capitan on a computer already running it

Install Os X El Capitan 10.11.6.iso

Reinstall while keeping files, applications, and settings

1. Restart your computer, and immediately hold down command-r until the gray Apple logo appears.
2. If prompted, select your main language and then click the arrow.
3. Click Reinstall OS X, and then Continue. Follow the instructions on the screen, and then choose your hard disk. Click Install, and enter your Apple ID information if prompted.
4. When the installation is complete, select App Store... from the Apple menu, and install any available updates.

Reinstall while erasing everything on your computer

Install Os X El Capitan No Disk To Select

1. Restart your computer, and immediately hold down command-r until the gray Apple logo appears.

2. If you see a screen asking you to select your main language, choose it, and then click the arrow.
3. Click Disk Utility, and then Continue.
4. In Disk Utility:
   1. Click your hard disk in the left column, and then click the Erase tab.
   2. Next to 'Format:', make sure OS X Extended (Journaled) is selected. In the 'Name:' field, give your disk a name. Click Erase.
   3. Once it's completed, quit Disk Utility.
5. Click Reinstall OS X, and then Continue:
   1. Follow the instructions on the screen, and then choose your hard disk.
   2. Click Install. If prompted, enter your Apple ID information.
   3. Once the installation is complete, you'll be asked to enter basic information, and have the option to transfer data from another computer or backup.
6. From the Apple menu, select App Store, and then install any available updates.