Download the macOS Mojave Installer from the Mac App Store To download the macOS Mojave installer, go to the Mac App Store Updates tab and choose Mojave installer (Here is a direct link.) When it's ready, it's going to launch automatically. You will need to quit it at this point, we're not running it this way. To get a copy of macOS Mojave to install on an unsupported Mac, you have to be in the Apple Beta program but more importantly than that, you have to download it on a supported Mac.
Have you ever tried updating to macOS Mojave, and then the installer returns with the message 'An error occurred installing macOS' after running for a few minutes?
In another case, you might find that your MacBook suddenly becomes unresponsive after installing Mojave, taking so much time performing otherwise simple tasks. The show ends with the spinning beach ball of death appearing, staying for a few minutes.
Know that you're not alone – the macOS Mojave install error has happened to a number of users, and it doesn't take a lot for them to realize that the problem is likely related to the OSInstallerSetup and the whole process of migrating to Mojave in general. This article aims to be your quick guide to navigate this problem and address it in no time.
A Quick Reminder Before Troubleshooting
The macOS Mojave install error has been identified as a hardware failure in some instances, given the user's inability to reinstall the operating system despite following the reinstall procedure correctly. Some users, for example, have received this mac error message while attempting to reinstall: 'com.apple.OSInstallerSetup.error error 702.'
Below are some quick steps you can follow to solve this issue. Before going further, however, make sure that your computer is in generally good shape. A reliable third-party tool such as Outbyte MacRepair can scan it for all types of junk, optimize your RAM, and eliminate space hogs safely in order to help you proceed with the troubleshooting efficiently.
Ways to Fix the macOS Mojave Install Error
Let's get to work and try the following steps to address the problem:
Install Mojave Using a New User
To do this, disconnect any external device from your Mac computer, such as audio devices, an external hard drive, and other peripherals. Next, try to install the software using a new user. Here are steps to create a new account for testing:
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click the lock icon, and then enter an administrator name and password.
- Click the + (Add button) found below the list of users.
- Complete the fields for a Standard or Administrator account.
- Click Create Account or OK.
- Log out of your existing account and log in with the new one. Do this by choosing Apple menu > Log out.
- Once at the login window, log in with the new account's name and password. If you're prompted to sign in using an iCloud account or Apple ID, skip that step.
Once done, delete the installer file and then re-download it from the Mac Store.
If the issue still happens while you're in the new account, then that means there's something actually going on. At this point you can try the succeeding steps.
Check Your Software Version
Are you sure that your software is up to date? If you've already upgraded to Mojave, keep it up to date by following these steps:
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences. Click Software Update to check for updates.
- If new updates are available, click Update now to install them. Choose More info to find out details about every update and select specific ones to install.
If your Mac is up to date according to Software Update, then that means all macOS apps are also up to date, including Safari, Books, iTunes, Messages, Calendar, Mail, FaceTime, and Photos.
You can also get updates for earlier macOS version such as High Sierra, Sierra, and El Capitan by following these steps:
- Open the App Store app.
- Click Updates located in the App Store toolbar.
- Using the Update buttons, download and install any updates listed.
Use Safe Mode
It's also worth trying the Safe Mode option to resolve the issue. Also known as safe boot, it's a way of initiating your Mac in a way that certain checks are done and the software is barred from automatically loading or opening. It can verify your startup disk and try to repair directory issues, as well as delete font cashes, kernel cache, and other system cache files.
Follow these steps to start up in safe mode:
- Start or restart your Mac. Afterwards, immediately press and hold the Shift key. At this point, the Apple logo should appear.
- Release the Shift key once you see the login window. For those whose startup disk is encrypted with FileVault, the user might be asked to log in twice.
- Leave in safe mode by restarting your Mac – no need to press any keys during startup.
Now, try to install the macOS update in safe mode.
Check for Hardware Issues
Apple Diagnostics assists you testing your machine for hardware issues. Once you have isolated the issue as a possible hardware problem, you can follow these steps:
- Disconnect all external devices except your mouse, keyboard, display, Ethernet connection, and AC power connection.
- Keep your Mac on a hard, flat, and stable surface that has proper ventilation.
- Shut down your computer.
- Turn it one, and then immediately press and Hold the D key on the keyboard. Keep doing it until a screen asking you to choose your language appears.
- The check lasts up to three minutes. If there is an issue found, Apple Diagnostics suggests solutions as well as offers references codes, which you should note before proceeding.
- Choose from the following options:
- Repeat the test by clicking Run the test again or pressing Command-R.
- Click Get started or press Command-G for further information.
- Restart your Mac by clicking Restart or pressing R.
- Click Shut down or press S to shut it down.
Check for Software Issues
Is it a software issue bugging your system and resulting in the macOS Mojave install error and subsequent problems with using your computer? Follow the instructions on this Apple Support page to address the issue depending on whether it occurs in just one app, in different apps, or in Mac OS X.
Clean-Install macOS Mojave
Here are the steps to follow to create a bootable Mojave installer:
- Download the new macOS from the App Store.
- Connect a USB drive to your Mac.
- Go to Disk Utility.
- Click the Erase tab, and select Mac OS Extended (Journaled) in the format tab.
- Give your USB a name. Click Erase.
- Once done, click Done and close Disk Utility.
- Next, launch Terminal once the USB is formatted.
- Make sure the USB is connected. Write the commands below in Terminal, where [YOUR DRIVE NAME] is the name you provided the installer drive:
sudo /Applications/Install macOS Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/[YOUR DRIVE NAME] –applicationpath /Applications/Install macOS Mojave.app
- Hit Return. Enter your admin password and the bootable installer will be the created on the USB.
- Once you see Done in the Terminal window, quit Terminal.
It's time to clean-install macOS Mojave on your Mac. Before proceeding, make sure to back up your Mac to keep your important files. Continue with these steps: Download app store for windows 7.
- Erase your main drive by going to System Preferences.
- Сlick Startup disk. Select the installer you just created.
- Restart your Mac and boot into recovery mode by holding down Command-R.
- Take your bootable USB and connect it to your computer.
- When the macOS Utilities screen appears, reinstall a new copy of macOS.
- Click Continue, then click Continue again once the next window shows up.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Next, choose your Mac's internal drive.
- Click Install.
- Wait for macOS Mojave to install and your machine to restart.
Final Notes
If you've tried the solutions above but the macOS Mojave install error persists, perhaps it's time to contact Apple Support or seek professional service. Follow the steps here. Make sure to also do the steps above correctly to prevent new problems from popping up.
Have you encountered this error before? What solved the issue? Let us know in the comments!
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Mac Os Mojave Install
Make your Mac invincible
Behold, the day has come! Apple's macOS 10.14 Mojave is out and available as a free download now
Let's start with a quick overview of what you get in the new system and why it's worth installing:
- A couple of new applications – News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home.
- Safari will prevent ads tracking you around.
- Dark mode is finally here.
- Automatic desktop cleaning.
- Gallery View in Finder for more convenient work.
Clean install is a bit different from a regular upgrade. You'd usually simply roll the new macOS right over your old one. You get a new desktop wallpaper and all your applications and files right where you left them. Including the ones you don't want anymore, and including some system junk left from the previous OS.
Which is why if you feel like there's a need for a purge — in the best meaning of this word — among your files and system leftovers, it makes more sense to run an clean install. The usual reasons are: system jut has started to affect your Mac's performance, you need to make sure your old data is cleared, you're selling a Mac or passing it to a new owner.
Or maybe (and we get you) you just want that freshly-bought Mac experience again.
If you did a clean install of macOS High Sierra last year, here's some good news: it's pretty much the same. If you haven't, another good news: we'll take you through it step by step.
How to prepare your Mac for the clean install
Before you do anything, check that your Mac is able to run Apple's new operating system. If you were able to run the previous macOS High Sierra with no visible issues, you're probably fine. But just in case, double-check. We'll also give you main requirements below.
To complete the clean install procedure, you'll need:
- macOS Mojave Installer, available from the Mac App Store.
- A 16GB or larger USB flash drive
Notice: USB drive is needed for a clean install on your Mac's startup drive. If you plan to clean install macOS on a non-startup drive, you don't need it - Go for a system cleanup and backup your data - this will allow you to easily return your Mac to the condition it was in before you installed macOS
- And an hour or two to spare.
Make sure your Mac is ready to Mojave
First of all, check that your Mac is compatible with new macOS. Here's a list of Macs that can run the Mojave:
- MacBook Pro: mid-2012 or newer
- MacBook: early-2015 or newer
- MacBook Air: mid-2012 or newer
- iMac: late-2012 or newer
- iMac pro: late-2017 or newer
- Mac Mini: late-2012 or newer
- Mac Pro: later-2013 or newer
although some mid-2010 and mid-2012 models have Metal-capable GPU, so it's worth checking
You'll need at least 4 GB of free space on drive. Not too much but keep that in mind before you start.
- Required memory: 4GB or more
- Require disk storage: 16GB
- Prepare Mac for the upgrade - clean up disk drive and backup data
Choose the right way to clean install macOS 10.14
There are a few ways to correctly run a clean install and they mainly depend on how your Mac hard drives are structured. Now, if your Mac has one single drive, not broken into parts, and it is the drive where every file you own is stationed, as well as your system, they your only choice is to clean install on the startup drive.
Keep in mind: if you proceed to do it on your startup drive, all your files and data will be permanently removed. To keep them safe, you'll need a backup, we'll tell you how to do it, no worried.
If your hard drive is partitioned (broken into volumes), or you have another drive, you can clean installing on a non-startup drive. This way your files are preserved, since it's a more lenient way of OS upgrade. Only the system gets cleared and reinstalled with a new one, while the rest of the drive is left intact.
Clean install macOS, securely
Try an advanced tool for securely installing Apple's new operating system. A surefire way to clean install.
If you don't know which one you have, go with the first option, startup drive.
How to clean install macOS Mojave on a startup disk drive
Make sure you've got everything ready to clean install Mojave and let's get down to business. It's going to be easy because we'll take you step by step through the safest way to do it.
We're going to mention a few applications you'll need during the process. Worry not, you won't need to look them up on the web, and all of the apps are available on Setapp. It's a subscription collection of Mac apps, you can use any app in there once you download it on your Mac. It has a weekly free trial, so go ahead and sign up.
Since clean installation involves wiping your Mac's main drive, it's vital that you back it up immediately before you start. And since some of those files are junk, backing them up would be, well, unadvisable. So it's usually a good idea to remove extra files before the backup with a Mac cleaner, like CleanMyMac. Run it and give your High Sierra a polish before clean installing Mojave.
1: Clean up your Mac
Time to remove every junk-looking thing you can find — old movies and media files, apps you never use, cache and system trash, duplicate files that you accidentally copied a few times. All the hard-drive-space-eaters, all have to go.
This might sound like a lot of work but it's actually about 10 minutes when you have the right software. Open CleanMyMac
and run a full scan. This will remove system junk, old caches, and random unused files. To get rid of apps use the Uninstaller tab, and for the big media files run the Large & Old Files search.
You've probably enjoyed the ability to store images in the cloud and keep all of them despite limited space, which means you've got a lot to clean among your photos. To spot and erase those repeating images, try Gemini app. It's made to find duplicate and similar files or folders on your hard drive, so you can delete them and retrieve precious storage space.
2: Backup your data
When all of the extra files are gone and all you've got left on drive is what you actually need, time to back it all up. Use Get Backup Pro for the job. It's better than Apple's native Time Machine. Also, move your photos and document into the cloud (iCloud, Dropbox, whatever your choice is) or to an external drive, like a USB stick.
And, create a bootable clone, in case of tech issues during the upgrade. This way you'll be able to go back to where you started easily. Plus, a cloned drive lets you quickly copy files to your new system.
Another tip: if you have any specifically customized apps that took time to set right, make screenshots of app settings. And keep a record of license codes for the apps you've bought to restore them when reinstalled.
By the way, if you get Setapp subscription we mentioned before — the problem with license codes will become a thing of the past. All the apps inside are fully active and packed in one suite. No separate purchases, paid upgrades, and so on.
3: Create a bootable macOS Mojave installer
Notice: Apple usually gets protective over previous versions and removes the installer once the next macOS is out. Which is why you might want to grab the High Sierra installer before its gone from the app store (if the link is still active, you're lucky).
Why you might need it: in case the new macOS Mojave refuses to behave on your Mac or you just don't like it, or any other problem occurs and you'll need to downgrade and clean install High Sierra back to your Mac, that's when the installer comes in handy. It's a corner case but better safe than sorry, right? Anyways, now that you have your High Sierra backup plan, you can process.
- Download new macOS from the App Store.
- When it's finished, the installer will launch. As soon as it does, select File and Quit (or keyboard shortcut Command-Q) so it doesn't install. The installer will remain in your Applications folder.
- Plug in the USB stick and launch Disk Utilities. It's a good idea to use a USB stick to put the bootable installer onto. It will need to be at least 8GB in size.
- Click the Erase tab and make sure Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is selected in the format tab.
- Give the USB stick a name then click Erase.
- When it's finished, click Done and close Disk Utility.
- Launch Terminal either by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to the Utilities folder in Applications.
- Type, or paste, the following command into Terminal, where [YOUR DRIVE NAME] is the name you gave the installer drive when you formatted it:
sudo /Applications/Install macOS Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/[YOUR DRIVE NAME] --applicationpath /Applications/Install macOS Mojave.app
Notice: Remember to replace [YOUR DRIVE NAME] with the name of your installer disk. You probably remember the only difference with clean installing High Sierra is changing the name of the app. - Hit Return.
- Type in your admin password and wait.
- When the process is finished, the word Done will appear in the Terminal window.
- You can then quit Terminal.
- Success! Enjoy Mojave, good-bye High Sierra.
4: Install Mojave 10.14 on your startup disk drive
Make sure you backup your Mac to keep your important files, before taking next step, that erase your Mac's Startup drive.
To erase your Mac's main drive:
- Go to System Preferences
- Сlick Startup disk and choose the installer you just created.
- Restart your Mac and hold down Command-R to boot into recovery mode.
- Take your bootable USB and connect it to your Mac.
Which is why if you feel like there's a need for a purge — in the best meaning of this word — among your files and system leftovers, it makes more sense to run an clean install. The usual reasons are: system jut has started to affect your Mac's performance, you need to make sure your old data is cleared, you're selling a Mac or passing it to a new owner.
Or maybe (and we get you) you just want that freshly-bought Mac experience again.
If you did a clean install of macOS High Sierra last year, here's some good news: it's pretty much the same. If you haven't, another good news: we'll take you through it step by step.
How to prepare your Mac for the clean install
Before you do anything, check that your Mac is able to run Apple's new operating system. If you were able to run the previous macOS High Sierra with no visible issues, you're probably fine. But just in case, double-check. We'll also give you main requirements below.
To complete the clean install procedure, you'll need:
- macOS Mojave Installer, available from the Mac App Store.
- A 16GB or larger USB flash drive
Notice: USB drive is needed for a clean install on your Mac's startup drive. If you plan to clean install macOS on a non-startup drive, you don't need it - Go for a system cleanup and backup your data - this will allow you to easily return your Mac to the condition it was in before you installed macOS
- And an hour or two to spare.
Make sure your Mac is ready to Mojave
First of all, check that your Mac is compatible with new macOS. Here's a list of Macs that can run the Mojave:
- MacBook Pro: mid-2012 or newer
- MacBook: early-2015 or newer
- MacBook Air: mid-2012 or newer
- iMac: late-2012 or newer
- iMac pro: late-2017 or newer
- Mac Mini: late-2012 or newer
- Mac Pro: later-2013 or newer
although some mid-2010 and mid-2012 models have Metal-capable GPU, so it's worth checking
You'll need at least 4 GB of free space on drive. Not too much but keep that in mind before you start.
- Required memory: 4GB or more
- Require disk storage: 16GB
- Prepare Mac for the upgrade - clean up disk drive and backup data
Choose the right way to clean install macOS 10.14
There are a few ways to correctly run a clean install and they mainly depend on how your Mac hard drives are structured. Now, if your Mac has one single drive, not broken into parts, and it is the drive where every file you own is stationed, as well as your system, they your only choice is to clean install on the startup drive.
Keep in mind: if you proceed to do it on your startup drive, all your files and data will be permanently removed. To keep them safe, you'll need a backup, we'll tell you how to do it, no worried.
If your hard drive is partitioned (broken into volumes), or you have another drive, you can clean installing on a non-startup drive. This way your files are preserved, since it's a more lenient way of OS upgrade. Only the system gets cleared and reinstalled with a new one, while the rest of the drive is left intact.
Clean install macOS, securely
Try an advanced tool for securely installing Apple's new operating system. A surefire way to clean install.
If you don't know which one you have, go with the first option, startup drive.
How to clean install macOS Mojave on a startup disk drive
Make sure you've got everything ready to clean install Mojave and let's get down to business. It's going to be easy because we'll take you step by step through the safest way to do it.
We're going to mention a few applications you'll need during the process. Worry not, you won't need to look them up on the web, and all of the apps are available on Setapp. It's a subscription collection of Mac apps, you can use any app in there once you download it on your Mac. It has a weekly free trial, so go ahead and sign up.
Since clean installation involves wiping your Mac's main drive, it's vital that you back it up immediately before you start. And since some of those files are junk, backing them up would be, well, unadvisable. So it's usually a good idea to remove extra files before the backup with a Mac cleaner, like CleanMyMac. Run it and give your High Sierra a polish before clean installing Mojave.
1: Clean up your Mac
Time to remove every junk-looking thing you can find — old movies and media files, apps you never use, cache and system trash, duplicate files that you accidentally copied a few times. All the hard-drive-space-eaters, all have to go.
This might sound like a lot of work but it's actually about 10 minutes when you have the right software. Open CleanMyMac
and run a full scan. This will remove system junk, old caches, and random unused files. To get rid of apps use the Uninstaller tab, and for the big media files run the Large & Old Files search.
You've probably enjoyed the ability to store images in the cloud and keep all of them despite limited space, which means you've got a lot to clean among your photos. To spot and erase those repeating images, try Gemini app. It's made to find duplicate and similar files or folders on your hard drive, so you can delete them and retrieve precious storage space.
2: Backup your data
When all of the extra files are gone and all you've got left on drive is what you actually need, time to back it all up. Use Get Backup Pro for the job. It's better than Apple's native Time Machine. Also, move your photos and document into the cloud (iCloud, Dropbox, whatever your choice is) or to an external drive, like a USB stick.
And, create a bootable clone, in case of tech issues during the upgrade. This way you'll be able to go back to where you started easily. Plus, a cloned drive lets you quickly copy files to your new system.
Another tip: if you have any specifically customized apps that took time to set right, make screenshots of app settings. And keep a record of license codes for the apps you've bought to restore them when reinstalled.
By the way, if you get Setapp subscription we mentioned before — the problem with license codes will become a thing of the past. All the apps inside are fully active and packed in one suite. No separate purchases, paid upgrades, and so on.
3: Create a bootable macOS Mojave installer
Notice: Apple usually gets protective over previous versions and removes the installer once the next macOS is out. Which is why you might want to grab the High Sierra installer before its gone from the app store (if the link is still active, you're lucky).
Why you might need it: in case the new macOS Mojave refuses to behave on your Mac or you just don't like it, or any other problem occurs and you'll need to downgrade and clean install High Sierra back to your Mac, that's when the installer comes in handy. It's a corner case but better safe than sorry, right? Anyways, now that you have your High Sierra backup plan, you can process.
- Download new macOS from the App Store.
- When it's finished, the installer will launch. As soon as it does, select File and Quit (or keyboard shortcut Command-Q) so it doesn't install. The installer will remain in your Applications folder.
- Plug in the USB stick and launch Disk Utilities. It's a good idea to use a USB stick to put the bootable installer onto. It will need to be at least 8GB in size.
- Click the Erase tab and make sure Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is selected in the format tab.
- Give the USB stick a name then click Erase.
- When it's finished, click Done and close Disk Utility.
- Launch Terminal either by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to the Utilities folder in Applications.
- Type, or paste, the following command into Terminal, where [YOUR DRIVE NAME] is the name you gave the installer drive when you formatted it:
sudo /Applications/Install macOS Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/[YOUR DRIVE NAME] --applicationpath /Applications/Install macOS Mojave.app
Notice: Remember to replace [YOUR DRIVE NAME] with the name of your installer disk. You probably remember the only difference with clean installing High Sierra is changing the name of the app. - Hit Return.
- Type in your admin password and wait.
- When the process is finished, the word Done will appear in the Terminal window.
- You can then quit Terminal.
- Success! Enjoy Mojave, good-bye High Sierra.
4: Install Mojave 10.14 on your startup disk drive
Make sure you backup your Mac to keep your important files, before taking next step, that erase your Mac's Startup drive.
To erase your Mac's main drive:
- Go to System Preferences
- Сlick Startup disk and choose the installer you just created.
- Restart your Mac and hold down Command-R to boot into recovery mode.
- Take your bootable USB and connect it to your Mac.
When the macOS Utilities screen appears, follow these steps:
- Select Reinstall a new copy of macOS.
- Click Continue, then click Continue again when the next window appears.
- Agree to the terms and conditions, then select your Mac's internal drive.
- Click Install.
- Wait for macOS Mojave to install and your Mac to restart.
After the reboot, your Mac will require setting up like a new one. Imagine you just bought it and proceed to fill in all the gaps — WiFi, iCloud with Apple ID, Dropbox, accounts, passwords. Could take a while but remember, it was worth it.
Once the initial process is done, you can start stocking up on software. To reinstall the apps from Setapp, go to setapp.com to get Setapp installer or download Setapp here.
It makes sense to only install those applications you need right now. Other apps can be downloaded later. You don't need too much clutter on your fresh system.
How to clean install macOS Mojave on a non-startup drive
Just as last year when we were doing the clean instal of High Sierra, you don't need a backup for this option, it's safer and faster than the previous way but only available to you if you have an extra drive or your drive is broken down into volumes.
Here's how to instal your new macOS on the non-startup disk.
1. Erase your non-startup disk drive
Before you install the new OS on it, you need to erase all data on the drive you've chosen for it.
To completely remove data with Disk Utility choose the volume you'd like to clean up and click Erase.
If you still need some info from that drive, you can use an app like Chronosync Express to sync it with another drive and keep the files.
Install Mojave App
2. Download the macOS Mojave Installer from the Mac App Store
To download the macOS Mojave installer, go to the Mac App Store > Updates tab and choose Mojave installer (Here is a direct link.) When it's ready, it's going to launch automatically. You will need to quit it at this point, we're not running it this way.
You don't need to create a specific bootable drive, use the installer you've just downloaded and install the new macOS 10.14 onto the other drive you have.
3. Install macOS Mojave to your non-startup drive drive
Find the Mojave installer in your Applications folder and launch it. You'll be offered to choose your target drive for the installation, change it from startup to the one you need. To do it, click Show All Disks and find the needed volume on the list. Finish the installation by simply following the instructions. Your OS is now ready, time to set it up. You'll have to undergo the same process as if the Mac was totally new.
When you have the system ready, you can start filling it with applications. If you don't enjoy looking for every app's licence code, get Setapp. There are 120+ pro apps of high quality, all packed in one suite. Saves time and money and covers hundreds of daily Mac tasks.
Install Mojave App
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Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp. Video to still photo converter free download.
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