How to Install macOS Sierra: A Comprehensive Guide

macOS Sierra, released in 2016, marked a significant step forward for Apple’s operating system, introducing features like Siri on the desktop, Auto Unlock, Universal Clipboard, and optimized storage. While it’s not the latest macOS, many users still find themselves needing or wanting to install Sierra, often for compatibility with older software or hardware. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from preparation to post-installation checks. Whether you’re performing a clean install or upgrading, this guide has you covered.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before you dive into the installation, proper preparation is crucial to avoid data loss and ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check System Compatibility

First and foremost, verify that your Mac is compatible with macOS Sierra. Here’s a list of compatible models:

• MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
• Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

If your Mac isn’t listed, you won’t be able to install macOS Sierra. You can check your Mac model by clicking the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting “About This Mac”.

2. Back Up Your Mac

This is perhaps the most crucial step. Before making any major changes to your operating system, it’s essential to back up all your important data. You have a few options for backing up:

a) Time Machine

Time Machine is Apple’s built-in backup utility and is the easiest way to back up your entire system. Here’s how to use it:

1. Connect an external hard drive to your Mac.
2. Go to the Apple menu () > System Preferences > Time Machine.
3. Toggle the Time Machine switch to “On”.
4. Select your external hard drive as the backup disk.
5. Time Machine will automatically back up your system.

b) Cloning Software

Cloning software like Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! creates a bootable copy of your hard drive, which can be a faster way to restore your system if something goes wrong.

c) Manual Backup

If you don’t want to use Time Machine or cloning software, you can manually copy all your important files to an external drive. Be sure to include all your documents, photos, videos, music, and any other essential data.

No matter which method you choose, ensure that your backup is complete and verified before proceeding.

3. Download macOS Sierra

Unfortunately, Apple no longer officially offers macOS Sierra for download from the Mac App Store. You’ll need to find a copy from a trusted source. Some places you might find it include:

• Older App Store Purchases: If you previously downloaded Sierra with your Apple ID, it might still be available under the ‘Purchased’ section of the Mac App Store.
• Online Archives: Be extremely cautious here, as many sources may offer corrupted or malicious downloads. Search for reputable tech forums or archive sites that may host a legitimate copy of the macOS Sierra installer.
• Apple Developer Programs: If you’re part of a developer program, you may be able to access older macOS versions.

Important: Verify the integrity of the download by comparing its SHA-256 hash with a known-good hash if available. This ensures you have a genuine copy and not a malware-infected one.

Once you’ve downloaded the installer (usually a file named “Install macOS Sierra.app”), keep it safe.

4. Prepare a Bootable USB Installer (Recommended for Clean Install)

While you can upgrade from within your existing macOS, a clean install from a bootable USB drive is highly recommended, especially if you’re experiencing issues or want a fresh start. You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage.

1. Format the USB Drive: Insert your USB drive into your Mac. Open Disk Utility (found in Applications > Utilities). Select your USB drive in the sidebar. Click “Erase” in the toolbar. Give the drive a name (e.g., “SierraInstaller”). Choose “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” as the format and “GUID Partition Map” as the scheme. Click “Erase”.
2. Create the Bootable Installer: Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities). Paste the following command, replacing /Volumes/SierraInstaller with the path to your USB drive (if different) and pressing Enter:

   sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/SierraInstaller --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app --nointeraction

   You’ll be prompted to enter your administrator password. The process will take some time. Do not interrupt it.

Once the process is complete, you’ll have a bootable USB installer for macOS Sierra.

Installation Process

Now that you have all the necessary preparations done, you can proceed with the installation. There are two main methods: upgrading from within macOS, and a clean install from a bootable drive. We’ll cover both.

Method 1: Upgrading from Within macOS

This method is simpler and preserves your existing files and settings. However, a clean install is recommended for better performance and stability.

1. Locate the Installer: Find the “Install macOS Sierra.app” file you downloaded.
2. Run the Installer: Double-click the installer.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the process. You’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions and choose your destination drive (usually your primary hard drive). Click “Install” to begin the installation.
4. Wait for the Installation to Complete: The installation process will take a while, and your computer will restart several times. Do not interrupt the process.

After the installation completes, your Mac will restart and boot into macOS Sierra.

Method 2: Clean Install from Bootable USB Drive

This method involves formatting your hard drive and installing macOS Sierra from scratch. It provides a cleaner, often faster and more stable experience but requires more steps.

1. Boot from the USB Drive: Insert the bootable USB drive into your Mac. Restart your Mac and hold down the Option key (⌥) immediately after you hear the startup chime. You’ll be presented with a boot menu. Select the USB drive (likely labelled “Install macOS Sierra” or the name you gave it) using the arrow keys and press Enter.
2. Open Disk Utility: After booting from the USB drive, you will be presented with the macOS Utilities menu. Select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue.”
3. Erase Your Hard Drive: In Disk Utility, select your Mac’s hard drive in the sidebar. Click “Erase” in the toolbar. Choose a name (e.g., “Macintosh HD”). Choose “APFS” or “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” as the format (APFS is recommended for SSD drives; otherwise, Mac OS Extended Journaled). Select “GUID Partition Map” as the scheme, if prompted, then click “Erase.”
4. Install macOS Sierra: After the disk is formatted, quit Disk Utility, return to the macOS Utilities window, and select “Install macOS.” Click “Continue,” follow the on-screen prompts and choose your recently formatted disk as the installation destination.
5. Wait for Installation to Finish: The installation process will take some time, and your computer will restart several times. Do not interrupt the process.

After the installation completes, your Mac will restart and boot into the fresh macOS Sierra installation.

Post-Installation Steps

After installing macOS Sierra, there are a few post-installation steps to ensure everything is working correctly:

1. Initial Setup

You’ll be greeted with the setup assistant. Follow the prompts to set your language, location, keyboard, Wi-Fi, and create a user account. If you chose to upgrade, this should be a fairly quick process of verifying information. If you chose a clean install, be sure to enter the information carefully.

2. Software Updates

Once logged into your desktop, go to the Apple menu () > System Preferences > Software Update and install any available updates. This will patch any bugs and vulnerabilities.

3. Restore Your Data

If you performed a clean install, you’ll need to restore your data from your backup. For Time Machine backups, go to the Apple menu () > System Preferences > Time Machine and select “Restore…” For cloned backups, restore your hard drive with your cloning software, for manual backups just copy the files back.

4. Install Applications

Reinstall any applications you need. Download them from the official websites or the Mac App Store if possible. Check compatibility carefully as older applications may have issues running with Sierra.

5. Test Your System

Test all your applications, peripherals, and hardware to ensure everything is working correctly. Check for things like WiFi, audio, video output, and printer functionality.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, installations don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

1. Installer Issues

• Download Error: Redownload the installer from a different source, if possible, and verify its SHA-256 hash.
• Damaged Installer: Create the bootable installer from scratch. Make sure you are using a valid copy of the installer that is not corrupted.
• Incompatible Hardware: Verify that your Mac model is compatible with macOS Sierra.

2. Boot Issues

• Stuck on Apple Logo: Reset the NVRAM or PRAM by restarting your Mac and holding down Command + Option + P + R keys together for about 20 seconds. Then try booting again.
• No Boot Device Found: If you have a bootable USB drive plugged in and you still can’t boot from it, try re-creating it, or try using a different USB port. Be sure you are pressing and holding the Option key while your computer restarts so that you have the ability to select a boot drive.
• Kernel Panics: These are often caused by incompatible hardware or software. Try booting in safe mode by holding down the Shift key during startup to isolate the issue. Then reinstall using a bootable USB drive.

3. Post-Installation Issues

• Incompatible Software: Check the software compatibility before re-installing programs. Use a virtual machine to isolate compatibility issues if necessary.
• Driver Issues: Reinstall drivers for peripherals. Check the manufacturer’s website for the most up to date drivers compatible with Sierra.
• WiFi Connection Issues: Sometimes, a WiFi reset might help. Go to System Preferences > Network and delete the current WiFi connection and try connecting again.

If you encounter more severe problems, you may need to consult Apple support or a professional Mac technician.

Conclusion

Installing macOS Sierra can be a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully. Whether you’re upgrading or doing a clean install, ensure you back up your data, prepare your installation media correctly, and take your time. By doing so, you can enjoy the features and improvements that macOS Sierra offers. Remember, if you are having any problems with your computer you should back up your data and consult with a professional technician. Always proceed with caution and take the necessary precautions to safeguard your data.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has made the process clearer and more manageable. Good luck with your installation, and enjoy your macOS Sierra experience!