How to install OpenCore Legacy Patcher in 5 minutes

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to install OpenCore Legacy Patcher, allowing older Macs to run the latest macOS versions, including Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura. By following these instructions, you'll be able to breathe new life into your older Mac hardware and enjoy updated software features.

Step 1: Gather Your Requirements

Before starting the installation process, ensure you have the following:

• An old Mac that is supported by OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
• A USB flash drive with at least 16 GB of storage.
• Time to complete the installation process.

Step 2: Format Your USB Flash Drive

1. Connect your USB flash drive to your Mac.
2. Open Disk Utility (found in Applications > Utilities).
3. Select your USB drive from the list.
4. Click on Erase.
5. Choose APFS as the format and GUID Partition Map as the scheme.
6. Name the drive (e.g., "USBInstaller") and click Erase to format the drive.

Step 3: Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher

1. Visit the OpenCore Legacy Patcher Releases page.
2. Download the latest version of OpenCore Legacy Patcher (currently 0.6.0).
3. Extract the downloaded ZIP file to access the application.

Step 4: Create a macOS Installer

1. Ensure you have the macOS installer for the version you want to install (can be downloaded from the App Store).
2. Open the downloaded macOS installer.
3. Follow the prompts to create a bootable installer on the USB flash drive.

Step 5: Set Up EFI Partitions on USB Flash Drive

1. Open OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
2. Select your USB flash drive from the list in the application.
3. Click on Create EFI to set up the EFI partition needed for booting.

Step 6: Install OpenCore to the Disk

1. In OpenCore Legacy Patcher, select the option to install OpenCore.
2. Confirm the installation on your USB drive.
3. Repeat the installation process a second time for a more reliable setup.

Step 7: Reboot and Access the Boot Menu

1. Restart your Mac.
2. Immediately hold the Option key during boot to access the boot menu.
3. Select the USB drive to boot from it.

Step 8: Install macOS

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS.
2. Be aware that you may encounter some reboots during the installation process.

Step 9: Perform Post Install Checks

1. After the installation is complete, run OpenCore Legacy Patcher again.
2. Perform any necessary post-install patches based on your specific Mac model.
3. Refer to the OpenCore Legacy Patcher Supported Models page for guidance.

Conclusion

You've successfully installed OpenCore Legacy Patcher and updated your old Mac with a newer version of macOS. Remember to check for any additional patches or updates specific to your model. For further learning, explore related videos and resources provided in this guide. Enjoy your upgraded Mac experience!