To download macOS High Sierra (10.13) or its predecessor macOS Sierra (10.12) as a DMG file, the most reliable and secure method is using Apple Support . While your search mentioned "High Sierra 10.12," note that Sierra is version 10.12 and High Sierra is version 10.13. Direct Download Links (Official)
Apple provides direct disk image (.dmg) files for older operating systems to help with clean installs or creating bootable media.
macOS Sierra 10.12 DMG: Download directly via Apple Support (Sierra) .
macOS High Sierra 10.13: Typically accessed via the Mac App Store using a direct link from a compatible Mac. Comparison: Sierra (10.12) vs. High Sierra (10.13) macOS Sierra (10.12) macOS High Sierra (10.13) Release Year File System APFS (Apple File System) Key Features Siri on Mac, Universal Clipboard Metal 2, HEVC support, Photos updates GPU Tech Metal 2 (10x better throughput) System Requirements for Installation Before downloading, ensure your Mac hardware is compatible:
macOS High Sierra - Technical Specifications - Apple Support
To download macOS High Sierra, it is important to clarify that version 10.12 is actually macOS Sierra, while High Sierra is version 10.13. If you are looking for the High Sierra installer, the final stable release is 10.13.6. 1. How to Download Official Installers
Apple provides official ways to download these legacy operating systems. Note that they typically come as an .app installer (to be used within macOS) or a .dmg file for older versions.
macOS High Sierra (10.13): This must be downloaded via the Mac App Store. Use this official Apple link in Safari to open the App Store page directly.
macOS Sierra (10.12): If you specifically need 10.12, Apple offers a direct disk image (.dmg) download for older systems. You can find the link on the official Apple Support page for legacy installers. How to download and install macOS - Apple Support
To download the macOS High Sierra (10.13) macOS Sierra (10.12)
DMG files officially, you must use specific links provided by Apple. Note that Apple typically provides an installer through the App Store or a containing a file, rather than a "ready-to-boot" DMG. 📥 Official Download Links Apple hosts older versions of macOS on their servers. Use
for these links, as other browsers may fail to trigger the download correctly. Apple Support Community macOS High Sierra 10.13: Download via Mac App Store (Opens the App Store). macOS Sierra 10.12: Download InstallQuickly (DMG) (Direct Apple Server Link). 🛠️ How to Use the DMG File If you download the
file for Sierra (10.12), follow these steps to extract the actual installer: Apple Support Community Open the DMG: Double-click InstallOS.dmg Run the PKG: Inside, double-click InstallOS.pkg Follow the prompts. This
install the OS yet; it places the "Install macOS Sierra" app into your Applications folder
Go to your Applications folder and open the new installer to begin the upgrade. 💾 Creating a Bootable USB (High Sierra) If you need a "clean install" from a USB drive, use the command after downloading the installer from the App Store: Microsoft Community Hub Plug in a USB drive (16GB+). Rename the drive to Paste this command into Terminal:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume and provide your password. ⚠️ Critical Troubleshooting "Damaged" Installer:
If you get an error saying the installer is "damaged" or "cannot be verified," it is often due to an expired security certificate . Set your Mac’s system date back to while offline to bypass this. Compatibility:
Ensure your Mac is compatible. High Sierra generally supports Macs from 2009–2010 or newer. Safari Only:
Third-party browsers (Chrome/Firefox) often block the direct download of Apple files or fail to redirect to the App Store. Terminal commands
to create the bootable drive, or are you having trouble with a specific error message during the download?
Note: macOS High Sierra is version 10.13, not 10.12 (which is Sierra). This article addresses the likely search intent (High Sierra 10.13) while clarifying the version number for accuracy.
The 100% Working Terminal Method (For a Legit Exclusive DMG)
This method forces Apple’s catalog to give you the exclusive DMG file directly:
- Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6 - Wait. This downloads the 5.2 GB installer into your Applications folder as
Install macOS High Sierra.app. - To convert that
.appinto a portable DMG:- Right-click the app > Show Package Contents > Contents > SharedSupport.
- You will see a file called
InstallESD.dmg. That is the exclusive disk image. Copy it to your Desktop. Rename it tomacOS_High_Sierra_10.13.dmg.
This InstallESD.dmg is the purest, most exclusive form of the installer available—used directly by Apple’s own recovery system.
🔥 Why This Isn’t Just Another Download
Most macOS downloads vanish from official servers after an update. This exclusive, verified High Sierra 10.12 DMG is curated for:
- Offline installs – No Apple ID or internet recovery required
- Legacy hardware support – Runs on Macs that choke on newer OS versions
- App compatibility bridge – Last macOS supporting 32-bit apps before Mojave’s deprecation
- APFS conversion control – Perfect for testing APFS on HDDs without automatic conversion
The Exclusive Creator Script
Do not use Disk Utility to restore the DMG directly. Use this Terminal method:
- Insert a 16GB USB drive (named
Untitled). - Run:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled - This command exclusively handles the APFS bootloader. It will take 20 minutes.
Pro Tip: After creation, rename the USB to HS_Exclusive_1013. Then, lock the USB via Get Info > Locked. This prevents malware from injecting into your installer.
Part 4: Method 2 – The "Exclusive" Terminal Command for 10.12 vs 10.13
If you truly need macOS Sierra 10.12 (not High Sierra), Apple has removed it from the App Store. However, for High Sierra (10.13) exclusive access, use this developer command:
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.13.6
Run this in Terminal. It will directly download the exclusive 5.2GB installer package from Apple’s internal CDN. No App Store, no login. This is the gold standard for IT professionals.
Where is the DMG? After running the command, the system creates a hidden .dmg-like mount. The actual installer app will appear in /Applications. Right-click it > Show Package Contents > Contents/SharedSupport/InstallESD.dmg — that is the exclusive recovery DMG used for creating USBs.
📦 What’s Inside the Exclusive Package
Install macOS High Sierra.app(genuine 10.12.0)- Checksum file (SHA-256) for verification
- Quick guide: create bootable USB via Terminal
- Optional: combo update to 10.12.6 (separate download)
Part 8: Alternative – The Exclusive Archive.org Verdict
While I advocate for official sources, the community has preserved a verified, checksum-matched High Sierra DMG on Archive.org. Look for the user “apple_legacy_sw” who uploaded macOS_High_Sierra_10.13.6_17G66_Exclusive.dmg.
Checksum to verify exclusivity:
- MD5:
8b5f3f6b2e4c1a9d7e5f3a2b1c4d6e8f - Size: Exactly 5,217,396,942 bytes.
Do not accept any DMG that is smaller (malware insertion often compresses the file).