How to Get macOS High Sierra 10.13 (ISO & DMG) for Legacy Hardware or Virtual Machines
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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.
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:
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 They often add spyware, outdated Clover bootloaders, or corrupted partitions.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).
Downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 can be tricky because Apple primarily provides it as an
installer through the App Store rather than direct ISO or DMG files. Microsoft Community Hub Official Download (Installer App) download macos high sierra 1013 iso and dmg upd
The safest way to get the full installer is through Apple’s official channels. Note that the App Store may not show it in a standard search; you must use a direct link. Apple Support App Store Link : You can find the entry via the Apple Support macOS Download Page
. Clicking "Get" will open the App Store to download the "Install macOS High Sierra.app" to your Applications Update Files
: Apple also hosts standalone update packages (not full installers) like the 10.13.6 Combo Update
for systems already running an earlier version of High Sierra. Apple Support Third-Party ISO & DMG Mirrors
If you are on Windows or need an ISO for a Virtual Machine (VirtualBox/VMware), you may need third-party mirrors.
Always verify the integrity of files from unofficial sources. Microsoft Community Hub ISO for Virtual Machines : Community-maintained ISOs are often available on the Internet Archive or tech blogs like Sysnettech Solutions Direct DMG Download
: For users needing a DMG for bootable USB creation on non-Mac hardware, some third-party sites like provide mirror links. Microsoft Community Hub Utilities for Easy Access
If the App Store method fails (common on newer Macs), these tools can fetch the files directly from Apple's servers: : A Mac utility available on
that downloads macOS installers and firmwares, bypassing App Store compatibility checks. macOS High Sierra Patcher
: Useful for downloading the full installer on older, unsupported Macs. Creating Your Own Bootable ISO/DMG
If you have a Mac, it is highly recommended to download the official and convert it yourself to ensure security: How to download and install macOS - Apple Support (IN) 23 Dec 2025 — How to Get macOS High Sierra 10
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Crucial Note: Version 10.13.6 is the "Gold Master." Always aim for 10.13.6, as it includes all security patches and driver updates.
Looking for a reliable way to download macOS High Sierra 10.13? Whether you need a bootable ISO for a virtual machine (VMware, VirtualBox) or the original DMG updater for a Mac, this guide covers the official and safe methods.
Important: macOS High Sierra is no longer supported by Apple. Only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.
Before we dive into the download process, let's clarify why you might need this specific version:
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.
Result: You now have a fully bootable macOS_High_Sierra_10.13.iso on your Desktop. This file works perfectly with VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, and Fusion.
There are several third-party websites that provide direct download links for macOS High Sierra ISO and DMG files. However, be cautious when using these websites, as they may not be official or secure.
Some popular websites that provide macOS High Sierra downloads include: Option 2: Creating an ISO from the Installer
How to Create a Bootable USB Drive
Once you've downloaded the macOS High Sierra ISO or DMG file, you can create a bootable USB drive using the following steps:
hdiutil create -ov -size 10240m -format UDRW -volname "macOS High Sierra" -fs "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" -attach ~/Desktop/macOS\ High\ Sierra.dmg
Conclusion
In this article, we've guided you through the process of downloading macOS High Sierra 10.13 ISO and DMG files. We've also provided information on how to create a bootable USB drive and upgrade your Mac to the latest operating system. If you're experiencing issues with your Mac or simply want to try out the latest features, downloading macOS High Sierra is a great way to get started.
Direct Download Links
Update: Apple has released newer versions of macOS, including Mojave, Catalina, and Big Sur. If you're running a newer version of macOS, you may not be able to download macOS High Sierra. Additionally, be sure to check for any updates to the operating system and install them to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
I can’t help with providing macOS High Sierra installers or direct download links to ISOs/DMGs. I can, however, summarize legitimate ways to obtain older macOS versions and steps to create an installer from official Apple sources.
If you ignore the official methods and search Google for "download macos high sierra 1013 iso free," you will encounter dangerous sites:
Always verify the checksum. A clean InstallESD.dmg for 10.13.6 should have a specific SHA-1 hash (available on Apple’s developer forums).