Download a Full macOS Installer from the Terminal

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer grabs a complete 'Install macOS' app for making USB sticks or offline upgrades.

macOSupdatessoftwareupdatesoftwareMedium risk

Run `sudo softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 15.2` (check `--list-full-installers` for available versions).

01Command

Command

$ sudo softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 15.2

02What it does

The App Store's updater often delivers incremental updates, but a full installer is what you need for a bootable USB stick, installing on another Mac, or a clean erase-and-reinstall. This command downloads the same installer the App Store would, placing 'Install macOS …' in /Applications. Use `softwareupdate --list-full-installers` first to see exact version numbers Apple currently serves. The download is roughly 13–15 GB, so stay on Wi-Fi or Ethernet with plenty of free space.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk

RequirementsNeeds roughly 15 GB of free disk space and a stable network connection.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

softwareupdate — system software update tool (macOS man page)
SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents --fetch-full-installer and --full-installer-version to download a complete Install macOS app.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: System & Settings