How to Create a Bootable Installer for Mac OS High Sierra on Your MacBook Pro
How to Download Mac OS High Sierra for MacBook Pro
If you own a MacBook Pro and you are looking for a way to upgrade your operating system, you might want to consider downloading Mac OS High Sierra. This is the latest version of macOS that was released by Apple in September 2017. It offers many improvements and new features that can make your MacBook Pro faster, safer, and more powerful.
Download Mac Os High Sierra For Macbook Pro
But before you download Mac OS High Sierra for MacBook Pro, you need to make sure that your device meets the system requirements and is compatible with the new macOS version. You also need to be aware of some potential problems and solutions that may arise during or after the upgrade process. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about downloading and installing Mac OS High Sierra for MacBook Pro.
Benefits of Mac OS High Sierra
Mac OS High Sierra is not a major overhaul of macOS, but rather a refinement of its predecessor, macOS Sierra. However, it still brings some significant changes and enhancements that can benefit MacBook Pro users in various ways. Here are some of the main benefits of Mac OS High Sierra:
New File System
One of the biggest changes in Mac OS High Sierra is the introduction of a new file system called APFS (Apple File System). This replaces the old HFS+ file system that has been used by Macs for decades. APFS is designed to be more flexible, reliable, and secure than HFS+. It also improves the speed of file transfers and storage by using advanced techniques such as cloning, snapshots, encryption, space sharing, and crash protection.
When you upgrade to Mac OS High Sierra, your disk will be automatically converted to APFS format without losing any data. However, if you have a Fusion Drive or a hard disk drive (HDD), you will not be able to use APFS yet. Apple is working on adding support for these types of drives in future updates.
Better Graphics and VR SupportBetter Graphics and VR Support
Another major improvement in Mac OS High Sierra is the upgrade of the graphics technology called Metal. Metal 2 is the second version of Apple's framework that allows developers to access the full power of the GPU (graphics processing unit) and optimize the performance of graphics-intensive applications and games. Metal 2 also enables Macs to support VR (virtual reality) development and gaming for the first time.
With Metal 2, MacBook Pro users can enjoy smoother and more realistic graphics, faster rendering, and lower power consumption. They can also connect an external GPU (eGPU) to their MacBook Pro via Thunderbolt 3 and boost their graphics capabilities even further. Moreover, they can use VR headsets such as HTC Vive and Oculus Rift to experience immersive VR content on their Macs.
Improved Apps and Features
Mac OS High Sierra also brings some enhancements and new features to the built-in apps and features of macOS. Here are some of the highlights:
Photos: The Photos app has a new design and a more powerful editing toolset. You can organize your photos by categories, keywords, faces, and places. You can also edit your photos with advanced filters, curves, color levels, and selective color adjustments. You can even create professional-looking projects such as books, cards, calendars, and slideshows with the help of third-party extensions.
Safari: The Safari browser has become faster, safer, and more customizable in High Sierra. You can prevent websites from tracking you with the new Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature. You can also stop annoying autoplay videos from playing automatically with the new Autoplay Blocking feature. You can also customize your settings for each website, such as zoom level, content blockers, notifications, and location access.
Mail: The Mail app has become more efficient and user-friendly in High Sierra. You can save up to 35% of disk space by compressing your messages. You can also find your emails faster with the new Top Hits feature that shows the most relevant results based on your usage patterns. You can also use Split View to compose your emails while viewing another app on your screen.
Notes: The Notes app has become more versatile and collaborative in High Sierra. You can add tables to your notes to organize your data in rows and columns. You can also pin your most important notes to the top of your list for easy access. You can also share your notes with other people and work on them together in real time.
iCloud Drive: The iCloud Drive feature has become more convenient and secure in High Sierra. You can share any file or folder stored in iCloud Drive with anyone via a link. You can also access all the files on your Mac desktop and documents folder from any other Mac or iOS device via iCloud Drive. You can also protect your files with end-to-end encryption.
Other apps and features: There are also some improvements and new features in other apps and features of macOS, such as Siri, Spotlight, FaceTime, Messages, Maps, etc. For example, you can ask Siri to play music from Apple Music or control your smart home devices. You can use Spotlight to find flight information or track your stocks. You can use FaceTime to take Live Photos of your video calls. You can use Messages to send fun stickers and animations. You can use Maps to check indoor maps of airports and shopping malls.
Problems and Solutions of Mac OS High Sierra
While Mac OS High Sierra offers many benefits for MacBook Pro users, it is not without its flaws and challenges. Some users may encounter some problems during or after the upgrade process that may affect their experience or performance. Here are some of the common problems and solutions of Mac OS High Sierra:
Failed or Frozen Download or Installation
One of the most common issues with upgrading to Mac OS High Sierra is that the download or installation process may fail or freeze for various reasons. This may result in an error message, a blank screen, a spinning wheel, or a restart loop. Here are some possible solutions for this issue:
Check your internet connection: Make sure that you have a stable and fast internet connection before you start downloading or installing High Sierra. If possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. If you encounter any network issues, try resetting your router or modem.
Free up disk space: Make sure that you have enough free disk space on your MacBook Pro before you start downloading or installing High Sierra. The minimum requirement is 14.3 GB of available storage space, but it is recommended to have at least 20 GB for optimal performance. If you need to free up some space, you can delete some unwanted files or apps, empty your trash bin, or use a cleaning tool such as CleanMyMac X.
Restart your Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix many issues with your Mac. If your download or installation process gets stuck or interrupted, try restarting your Mac and resume the process. You can also try booting your Mac in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key during startup. This will disable some unnecessary features and processes that may interfere with the upgrade.
Download the installer from another source: If you have trouble downloading the High Sierra installer from the App Store, you can try downloading it from Apple's support site. You can also use another Mac or device to download the installer and transfer it to your MacBook Pro via a USB drive or AirDrop.
Use a bootable installer: If you have trouble installing High Sierra from macOS, you can try using a bootable installer that you can create using a USB flash drive or another secondary volume. We will explain how to create and use a bootable installer in the next section.
Slow or Freezing Mac after Upgrade
Another common issue with upgrading to Mac OS High Sierra is that your MacBook Pro may become slow or freeze after the upgrade. This may be due to various factors, such as incompatible apps, outdated drivers, corrupted files, or insufficient memory. Here are some possible solutions for this issue:
Update your apps and drivers: Make sure that all your apps and drivers are compatible with High Sierra and updated to the latest versions. You can check for updates in the App Store or on the app's website. You can also use a tool such as MacUpdater to scan and update all your apps and drivers automatically.
Clear your cache and temporary files: Over time, your Mac may accumulate a lot of cache and temporary files that can slow down your system and cause errors. You can clear these files manually by going to Library > Caches and Library > Application Support folders and deleting the unwanted files. You can also use a tool such as CleanMyMac X to clear these files automatically and safely.
Reset SMC and PRAM: SMC (System Management Controller) and PRAM (Parameter RAM) are components of your Mac that control various settings and functions, such as power, display, keyboard, sound, etc. Sometimes, these components may get corrupted or misconfigured and cause problems with your Mac's performance. You can reset them by following these steps:
To reset SMC, shut down your Mac and plug in the power adapter. Then, press and hold the Shift-Control-Option keys on the left side of the keyboard and the power button at the same time for 10 seconds. Then, release all the keys and press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
To reset PRAM, restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Option-Command-P-R keys until you hear the startup sound twice. Then, release the keys and let your Mac boot normally.
Run Disk Utility: Disk Utility is a built-in tool that can help you repair any disk errors or permissions issues that may affect your Mac's performance. You can run Disk Utility by going to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility and selecting your startup disk. Then, click on First Aid and follow the instructions on the screen.
Other Common Issues and Fixes
Besides the issues mentioned above, there are some other common issues that some MacBook Pro users may face after upgrading to High Sierra. These include Wi-Fi issues, Bluetooth issues, battery drain issues, etc. Here are some possible solutions for these issues:
Wi-Fi issues: If you experience any problems with your Wi-Fi connection after upgrading to High Sierra, such as slow speed, intermittent signal, or no connection at all, you can try these steps:
Turn off Wi-Fi and then turn it back on.
Restart your router or modem.
Forget your Wi-Fi network and then reconnect to it.
Delete any unused or suspicious Wi-Fi networks from your list.
Create a new network location by going to System Preferences > Network > Location > Edit Locations > + > Done.
Delete some Wi-Fi related files by going to Library > Preferences > SystemConfiguration folder and deleting these files: com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, com.apple.network.identification.plist, com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist, NetworkInterfaces.plist, preferences.plist. Then, restart your Mac.
Bluetooth issues: If you experience any problems with your Bluetooth devices after upgrading to High Sierra, such as pairing failures, connection drops, or poor performance, you can try these steps:
Battery drain issues: If you notice that your MacBook Pro's battery life has decreased after upgrading to High Sierra, you can try these steps:
Check your battery health by holding the Option key and clicking on the battery icon in the menu bar. If it says "Replace Soon" or "Replace Now", you may need to replace your battery.
Adjust your energy settings by going to System Preferences > Energy Saver and choosing the optimal options for your usage. You can also enable the Battery Status menu item to see how much power each app is using.
Reduce your screen brightness by using the F1 and F2 keys or the Control Center.
Turn off unnecessary features and apps, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, keyboard backlight, Spotlight, Siri, etc. You can also quit any apps that are not in use or consuming too much power.
Update your apps and drivers, as mentioned earlier.
Steps to Download and Install Mac OS High Sierra
Now that you know the benefits and problems of Mac OS High Sierra, you may be ready to download and install it on your MacBook Pro. Here are the steps to do so:
Download from App Store or Browser
The easiest way to download Mac OS High Sierra is from the App Store or from your browser. Here are the steps for each method:
App Store: Open the App Store app on your Mac and search for Mac OS High Sierra. Alternatively, you can use this link to go directly to the download page. Then, click on the Download button and enter your Apple ID and password if prompted. The download will start automatically and may take some time depending on your internet speed. Once the download is complete, the installer will launch automatically. You can also find the installer in your Applications folder.
Browser: Open your browser and go to this link to download the High Sierra installer from Apple's support site. Then, click on the Download button and save the file to your desired location. The file size is about 5.2 GB and may take some time depending on your internet speed. Once the download is complete, you can double-click on the file to launch the installer.
Create a Bootable Installer (Optional)
If you want to have more control over the installation process or if you want to install High Sierra on multiple Macs, you can create a bootable installer using a USB flash drive or another secondary volume. A bootable installer is a portable version of the High Sierra installer that you can use to start up any compatible Mac and install High Sierra without needing an internet connection or a macOS recovery partition. Here are the steps to create a bootable installer:
Prepare a USB flash drive or another secondary volume with at least 12 GB of available space. Make sure that it is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and has a single partition with a GUID Partition Map scheme. You can use Disk Utility to check and format your drive if needed.
Rename your drive as "MyVolume" for convenience. You can use any name you want, but you will need to replace "MyVolume" with your actual name in the following steps.
Download the High Sierra installer from the App Store or from your browser, as mentioned earlier.
Open Terminal app on your Mac and enter the following command: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app
Enter your administrator password when prompted and press Y to confirm when asked.
The command will erase your drive and copy the installer files to it. This may take some time depending on your drive speed. Once it is done, you will see a message saying "Done."
You can now eject your drive and use it as a bootable installer for High Sierra.
Install from macOS or Recovery Mode
Once you have downloaded or created a High Sierra installer, you can install it on your MacBook Pro from macOS or from Recovery Mode. Here are the steps for each method:
macOS: If you want to install High Sierra from macOS, you can simply launch the installer from your Applications folder or from your bootable drive. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to select your destination disk and agree to the terms and conditions. The installation process will begin and your Mac will restart several times. This may take about 30 to 60 minutes depending on your Mac's specifications.
Recovery Mode: If you want to install High Sierra from Recovery Mode, you can restart your Mac and hold the Command-R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode, where you can access various tools and options. Then, choose Reinstall macOS from the macOS Utilities window and click Continue. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to select your destination disk and agree to the terms and conditions. The installation process will begin and your Mac will restart several times. This may take about 30 to 60 minutes depending on your Mac's specifications.
Conclusion
Mac OS High Sierra is a great upgrade for MacBook Pro users who want to enjoy the latest features and improvements of macOS. It offers a new file system, better graphics and VR support, improved apps and features, and more. However, it also comes with some potential problems and solutions that you need to be aware of before and after the upgrade process. In this article, we have shown you how to download and install Mac OS High Sierra for MacBook Pro using different methods and tips. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you.
If you have any questions or feedback about Mac OS High Sierra or this article, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you out. Thank you for reading and happy upgrading!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mac OS High Sierra:
How do I check if my MacBook Pro is compatible with Mac OS High Sierra?
You can check if your MacBook Pro is compatible with Mac OS High Sierra by going to Apple menu > About This Mac and checking the model name and year of your device. The following MacBook Pro models are compatible with High Sierra:
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Pro with Retina display (Mid 2012 or newer)
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Late 2016 or newer)
How do I revert to an older macOS version if I don't like High Sierra?
If you want to revert to an older macOS version after upgrading to High Sierra, you will need to erase your startup disk and restore your data from a backup. You can use Time Machine or another backup tool to create a backup of your data before upgrading to High Sierra. Then, you can follow these steps to revert to an older macOS version:
Restart your Mac and hold the Command-R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.
Choose Disk Utility from the macOS Utilities window and click Continue.
Select your startup disk from the sidebar and click Erase.
Choose a name, format, and scheme for your disk and click Erase.
Quit Disk Utility and choose Restore From Time Machine Backup from the macOS Utilities window.
Select your backup disk and click Continue.
Select the backup that contains the macOS version that you want to revert to and click Continue.
Select your destination disk and click Restore.
Wait for the restoration process to complete and restart your Mac.
How do I use Dark Mode in High Sierra?
Dark Mode is a feature that changes the appearance of some elements of macOS, such as the menu bar, the Dock, and some apps, to a darker color scheme. This can help reduce eye strain, improve contrast, and save battery life. To use Dark Mode in High Sierra, follow these steps:
Go to System Preferences > General and check the box that says "Use dark menu bar and Dock".
Enjoy the dark mode on your Mac. You can also use the Control Center