While Apple continues to push the boundaries with macOS Sonoma and Sequoia, there is a quiet but significant portion of the Apple user base that still relies on macOS High Sierra (version 10.13). Released in 2017, High Sierra was a pivotal update, introducing the Apple File System (APFS) and laying the groundwork for modern Mac performance.
Whether you are looking to run a virtual machine (VM), create a bootable USB installer for a legacy Mac, or perform a clean install on an older machine, obtaining the correct installation media is crucial. Here is your definitive guide to downloading and using macOS High Sierra ISO and DMG files.
mv ~/Desktop/HighSierra.iso.cdr ~/Desktop/HighSierra.iso
Now use HighSierra.iso for any hypervisor.
How to Get macOS High Sierra 10.13 (ISO & DMG) for Legacy Hardware or Virtual Machines
Body:
Need to run macOS High Sierra 10.13 on older hardware or inside a virtual machine (VMware/VirtualBox)? Apple has removed this version from the main App Store “Purchased” tab for many accounts, but you can still obtain the official installer files directly from Apple using the command line.
Here are the two safest ways to get the OS.
Option 1: Official DMG/App (Best for Real Macs)
You can download the original Install macOS High Sierra.app directly from Apple using a terminal command (if you have a valid URL from Apple’s catalog). Once downloaded, you can create a bootable USB or convert it to an ISO yourself using Disk Utility.
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer syntax, or use the direct link from Apple’s support article: “How to download macOS High Sierra” on Apple’s official site)..app file that is cryptographically signed by Apple.Option 2: Creating an ISO from the Installer (Best for VMs)
If you have the official .app file (or a trusted DMG), you can convert it to a bootable ISO using Terminal:
Install macOS High Sierra.app > Show Package Contents.Contents/SharedSupport.InstallESD.dmg file.hdiutil command in Terminal to convert that DMG into a standard ISO.Where NOT to download from: Avoid generic “MacOS High Sierra ISO Download” sites from 2019. They often add spyware, outdated Clover bootloaders, or corrupted partitions. Stick to Apple’s servers or known-good MD5 checksums from community forums.
Final Note: High Sierra (10.13) reached End of Life in 2020. It receives no security updates. Only install this on an offline machine or for specific legacy software testing.
Do you need a ready-to-use ISO for VMware, or just the official Apple installer? Let me know below.
If you need the exact, current safe Terminal command to fetch High Sierra from Apple, reply here and I can look up the most recent softwareupdate catalog URL (though Apple changes these periodically for older OS versions).
To download macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is safest to use official Apple channels, which primarily provide the .app installer rather than direct ISO or DMG files. Once you have the official installer, you can manually convert it into a DMG or ISO for creating bootable media or virtual machines. 1. Official Download Methods
Apple offers several official ways to get the High Sierra installer:
Mac App Store: You can access the hidden High Sierra download page through the Apple Support guide.
Terminal: On a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, use the following command to download the full installer directly:softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6.
Direct Update Downloads: Apple also provides standalone update packages (like the 10.13.6 Combo Update) for systems already running a version of High Sierra. 2. Creating an ISO or DMG
Because official ISO files are not publicly distributed, you must create one from the downloaded .app file:
Create a DMG: Use the Mist utility to automate the download and creation of a bootable DMG directly from Apple’s servers.
Create an ISO: This is typically done for virtual machines (like VMware or VirtualBox) using Terminal commands to mount the installer image and convert it to the .iso format. 3. Third-Party Sources (Use Caution)
If official methods are unavailable (e.g., you are on a Windows PC), some community-verified archives exist, though they carry security risks:
Internet Archive: Hosted versions of the macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO are often used for legacy support. download macos high sierra 1013 iso and dmg upd
GitHub Repositories: Some users maintain lists of direct macOS ISO download links for various versions.
macOS High Sierra dmg download for making bootable usb insttaller
Here is the proper content you can use for a blog post, knowledge base article, or tutorial based on the subject: "download macos high sierra 10.13 iso and dmg upd".
Install macOS High Sierra.app (5.2GB) in your Applications folder.If you want to perform a clean install (wipe the hard drive), use the official Apple createinstallmedia command.
Warning: This erases your USB drive (at least 8GB).
MyVolume.sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
Y to confirm, and wait 20 minutes.Option (Alt) key and select the USB drive.If you need an ISO file (e.g., for VMware or VirtualBox):
For the best results and to avoid viruses:
.app file and Terminal commands.The story of macOS High Sierra (10.13) is not one of flashy new buttons, but a radical "under-the-hood" reconstruction of the Mac's soul. Released on September 25, 2017, its name—suggesting a higher, more refined peak of the previous "Sierra" version—signaled its purpose as a technical polish, much like Snow Leopard before it. The Great File System Migration
The deepest part of the High Sierra narrative was the death of , a file system dating back to 1998, and the birth of Apple File System (APFS) The Invisible Leap
: When users downloaded and installed the update, High Sierra automatically converted their entire solid-state drive (SSD) to APFS. The Result
: Operations like duplicating massive folders suddenly became instantaneous because the system stopped physically copying data and instead created "clones" that shared the same blocks. Technical Milestones
While users saw a "fully baked" name (as joked by Craig Federighi), the system introduced heavy-duty tech: Apple Wiki | Fandom
Download macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG Files: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to download macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG files? If you're a Mac user or a developer, you might need these files for various purposes such as installing the operating system on a new Mac, upgrading an existing one, or creating a bootable USB drive. In this post, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to download macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG files.
Before You Start
Before downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG files, make sure you have the following:
Downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO File
The macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO file is not officially available for download from Apple. However, you can download the macOS High Sierra 10.13 installer from the Mac App Store and then create an ISO file from it. Here's how:
hdiutil create -ov -format UDRW -volname "macOS High Sierra" -size 5g -fs HFS+ -srcfolder /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app ./macoshighsierra.iso
Downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 DMG File
The macOS High Sierra 10.13 DMG file is not officially available for download from Apple either. However, you can download the macOS High Sierra 10.13 installer from the Mac App Store and then create a DMG file from it. Here's how:
hdiutil create -ov -format UDRW -volname "macOS High Sierra" -size 5g -fs HFS+ -srcfolder /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app ./macoshighsierra.dmg
Alternative Sources
If you're unable to download the macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG files from the Mac App Store, you can try searching for alternative sources online. However, be cautious when downloading files from third-party websites, as they may contain malware or viruses.
Update: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
If you're looking to update your macOS High Sierra to the latest version (10.13.6), you can do so by going to the Mac App Store and searching for "macOS High Sierra". Click on the "Update" button to download and install the latest update.
Conclusion
The official method to obtain macOS High Sierra (10.13) is to download the installer via the Mac App Store in Safari, which can then be converted into a bootable ISO or DMG using Terminal commands. For creating USB installers or virtual machine files, specific hdiutil and createinstallmedia commands are used to convert the App Store application. For more details, visit Apple Support. How to download and install macOS - Apple Support (IN)
23 Dec 2025 — Each macOS includes the latest built-in apps available for that macOS, including Safari, Mail and Apple Music (formerly iTunes). * Apple Support
To download macOS High Sierra 10.13 obtain the official installer via the Mac App Store or specific direct links provided by Apple . While Apple does not officially provide a or standalone for the full OS, users often create these from the official installer for use in virtual machines like VirtualBox Apple Support How to Download macOS High Sierra
Since macOS High Sierra is a legacy operating system, it is often hidden from standard App Store searches. Use the methods below based on your hardware. Official Mac App Store : Use this Official App Store Link to open the High Sierra page directly. Click to download the Install macOS High Sierra.app (approx. 5.2 GB) to your Applications folder. Direct Web Browser Links
: If the App Store link fails, Apple provides installer links for older versions on their official support page Third-Party Utilities : Tools like macOS High Sierra Patcher
can fetch the full installer directly from Apple's servers, which is helpful if your current Mac is too new to download it via the App Store. Creating a DMG or ISO File Standard downloads provide an file, not a disk image. To create a
file for use in virtual machines (like VirtualBox), you must use Terminal to create a blank image, attach it, and use the createinstallmedia command. Finally, convert the resulting image on your desktop. Microsoft Community Hub System Requirements
Ensure your machine meets the minimum requirements, which include 2GB of RAM, 14.3GB of available storage, and compatibility with specific older hardware (e.g., late 2009 iMac, mid-2010 MacBook Pro or newer). macOS High Sierra - App Store
Downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 (latest version 10.13.6) can be tricky because Apple has hidden it from the standard Mac App Store search results for newer devices. However, you can still obtain the official DMG/App installer from Apple's servers or use community-verified ISO files for virtual machines like VirtualBox or VMware. Official Apple Download (DMG/App)
If you have a compatible Mac (Late 2009 or newer), the official method remains the safest.
App Store Link: Use this direct link to macOS High Sierra to open the App Store page directly.
Terminal Method: On macOS Catalina or later, you can download it via Terminal using:softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6.
Third-Party Tools: Utilities like Mist (GitHub) allow you to download firmware and installers directly from Apple's servers, bypassing App Store compatibility blocks. ISO Downloads (for VirtualBox/VMware)
ISO files are necessary if you are trying to run High Sierra on a Windows or Linux host.
GitHub: Verified ISO links and MD5 hashes (7e7af6a6ef939b95fa42cc0f53927a11 for version 10.13.6) are maintained on the Pyenb macOS ISOs GitHub.
Internet Archive: A full High Sierra 10.13 ISO is available for public download. Creating Your Own ISO or Bootable USB
If you have the .app installer, you can convert it into a bootable format yourself. Create a Bootable USB: Connect an 8GB+ USB drive and name it MyVolume.
Run this command in Terminal:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume. Convert App to ISO:
Mount a sparse image using hdiutil, use the createinstallmedia tool to copy the installer to it, and then use hdiutil convert to finalize it as a .iso. macOS High Sierra 10
To obtain macOS High Sierra 10.13, the most reliable method is to download the installer directly from Apple's official channels. While Apple typically provides a standard installer app (.app), you can easily convert this into a bootable DMG or ISO file for clean installations, virtual machines, or repairs on older hardware. 1. Official Download Methods
Apple provides the full installer through the App Store and Terminal for compatible Macs.
Via App Store: Use a direct link to find macOS High Sierra on the App Store. Clicking "Get" will download the "Install macOS High Sierra" app to your Applications folder.
Via Terminal (macOS Catalina or later): Open Terminal and use the following command to fetch the installer directly from Apple's servers:softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6.
Legacy Support: If the App Store link fails, check the Apple Support website for web-based download links to older versions. 2. Creating a Bootable DMG or ISO
Because the official download is an .app file, you must manually create a disk image if you need a .dmg or .iso for other platforms. To create an ISO (for Virtual Machines): Download the "Install macOS High Sierra" app.
Use a script or Terminal commands to create a temporary sparse image, mount it, and use the createinstallmedia tool to copy the installer files. Convert the resulting .cdr file to a standard .iso format.
To create a DMG on Windows: Use tools like DMG Editor or TransMac if you have already obtained a raw image file, though burning official installers is more reliable. 3. Alternative Repositories (Caution Advised)
If you cannot access a compatible Mac to download the official installer, community-maintained archives exist. However, these are unverified and may pose security risks. Where can I download 10.13 High Sierra - Apple Community
How to Download macOS High Sierra 10.13: Official DMG and ISO Guide
Whether you need to revive an older Mac or set up a virtual machine, getting a clean version of macOS High Sierra (10.13) is the first step. While Apple has moved on to newer releases, official installers are still accessible if you know where to look. 1. Download the Official macOS High Sierra DMG
The safest way to get High Sierra is directly from Apple. Third-party sites often host "distros" that may contain malware or unauthorized modifications.
Via Mac App Store: Use this direct App Store link to find the hidden installer. If your current Mac is too new, the "Get" button may be dimmed.
Official Support Downloads: Apple provides standalone update files (like the 10.13.6 Combo Update) on their Support Downloads page, which are useful if you already have a base version of 10.13 installed. 2. Creating a Bootable ISO for Virtual Machines
Apple does not provide a direct ISO download. To get an ISO for use in software like VirtualBox or VMware, you must convert the .app installer downloaded from the App Store. Steps to create an ISO on a Mac:
macOS High Sierra dmg download for making bootable usb insttaller
Downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG Files: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to download macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG files for your Mac or virtual machine? Look no further! In this article, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining these files and provide you with the necessary information to get started.
What is macOS High Sierra 10.13?
macOS High Sierra 10.13 is a major update to the macOS operating system, released by Apple in 2017. It brings a host of new features, improvements, and security enhancements to the table. Some of the notable features include:
Downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG Files
There are a few ways to download macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG files. Here are the most common methods:
If you cannot access the App Store, some archived versions exist. Always verify checksums. Now use HighSierra
| File Type | Typical Use | Trusted Archive Source |
|-----------|-------------|------------------------|
| macOS_High_Sierra_10.13.6.iso | VMware / VirtualBox | Internet Archive (search for "macOS High Sierra ISO") |
| InstallMacOSHighSierra.dmg | Upgrade on real Mac | Mr. Macintosh (community trusted) |
Checksum (official 10.13.6):
SHA-1: 25497c4fef08f6b5ca91f0bcd1a5658d224ff53b