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Best external drive options to install macOS on 2015 Macbook Pro

I have an early 2015 Macbook Pro that has run out of space to be able to update the MacOS on the internal drive. I am currently on macOS Mojave version 10.14.16. As a result I am unable to update software on some applications and I would like to be able to do this. From my very limited understanding I think I can download a newer macOS to an external hard drive and use that as a start up disk enabling me to update my applications? Is anyone able to offer any advice on what kind of external drive I might need that is suitable for this, and where to get it? That is compatible with my Mac, (I have USB and Thunderbolt 1/2 ports) and my current operating system as a lot of them now understandably seem to need an updated one like 10.15. Which is exactly what I need it for in the first place. Any advice would be great, as I feel like I'm looking into the deep unknown :)

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Oct 23, 2024 4:36 AM

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Posted on Oct 23, 2024 6:04 AM

Yeah, you can use an external hard drive to install a newer macOS! Just grab a USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 1/2 drive with at least 256GB. Good brands are Seagate, WD, or Samsung, and you can find them on Amazon or at Best Buy. Once you have the drive, download the macOS installer from Apple’s website and install it on the external drive. Make sure the drive is formatted for macOS (APFS or Mac OS Extended). Good luck!

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 23, 2024 6:04 AM in response to Esiole_H

Yeah, you can use an external hard drive to install a newer macOS! Just grab a USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 1/2 drive with at least 256GB. Good brands are Seagate, WD, or Samsung, and you can find them on Amazon or at Best Buy. Once you have the drive, download the macOS installer from Apple’s website and install it on the external drive. Make sure the drive is formatted for macOS (APFS or Mac OS Extended). Good luck!

Best external drive options to install macOS on 2015 Macbook Pro

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