2020 · No longer updated

Download macOS Big Sur 11

The first macOS to run on Apple silicon. Big Sur ended the 10.x numbering after nearly twenty years and brought a major visual redesign.

Official downloadApple siliconIntel

Version: 11
Released: 12 November 2020
Latest build: 11.7.11
Processors: Apple silicon & Intel

How to get macOS Big Sur 11

Mac App Store

Official Apple listing.

Open in App Store

Full installer via Terminal

Run softwareupdate --list-full-installers to see the newest Big Sur build your Mac is offered.

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 11.7.10

Compatible Macs

MacBook (Early 2015 and later), MacBook Air (2013 and later), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later), Mac mini (2014 and later), iMac (2014 and later), iMac Pro, Mac Pro (2013 and later), and M1 Macs.

Apple's full compatibility list for macOS Big Sur 11

Not sure which Mac you have? See which macOS your Mac can run.

Get help from Apple

Apple Support Communities: Earlier Operating SystemsApple's official user forum for macOS Big Sur and other macOS versions before Sequoia.discussions.apple.comApple: How to download and install macOSApple's guide to the App Store, disk image and Terminal download methods, with compatibility rules.support.apple.com

Make a bootable USB installer

Once Install macOS Big Sur.app is in your Applications folder, plug in a USB drive named MyVolume (it will be erased) and run:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Full walkthrough: How to create a bootable macOS USB installer.

What's new in macOS Big Sur

First version for Apple silicon (M1) Macs
Version jumps from 10.15 to 11
Redesigned interface and Control Center
Rosetta 2 for running Intel apps on Apple silicon

Questions

Can I still download macOS Big Sur 11 from Apple?

Yes. Apple still offers macOS Big Sur 11 for free. The download methods above all link to Apple's own servers or the Mac App Store.

What is the latest version of macOS Big Sur 11?

The final or latest build is 11.7.11, according to Apple's version list.

Which Macs can run macOS Big Sur 11?

MacBook (Early 2015 and later), MacBook Air (2013 and later), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later), Mac mini (2014 and later), iMac (2014 and later), iMac Pro, Mac Pro (2013 and later), and M1 Macs.