How to install iMovie on OS Catalina?

Question

Level 1

9 points

How to install iMovie on OS Catalina?

Hi,

I have an older MacBook Pro (Retina 13 inch late 2013) and I recently upgraded to the highest possible OS version: Catalina 10.15.7

I have a problem with my video tapes. iMovie is no longer in the Apps of my computer. How can I install a version of iMovie that works on my ols MacBook and with OS Catalina? If iMovie is no longer available are there other Apps that work on my MacBook with Catalina reading my tapes from my camcorder and where I am able to make a new project (like on iMovie)?

Thanks for all help!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 24, 2025 1:31 PM

Reply

Answer 1

muesli_usa Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 26, 2025 12:36 PM in response to Rich839

Hi Rich,

When I chose account settings I can chose:

personal informations
login and security
information about payment and shipping
abos
share with family
devices
privacy

The only thing that could fit are "devices"

When I click on devices I see again the 2 laptops

When I click on the 13 inch I receive the serial number and OS version installed but the only thing I can do is "remove from account" what I do not want to do.

Raf.

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Answer 2

muesli_usa Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 25, 2025 1:24 PM in response to Rich839

Hi Rich,

In my purchase folder I only find the two laptops but not apps like iMovie. iMovie was always included in the OS of my Mac. And I only have one Apple ID and signed in.

In my applications folder I find the iMovie (+iPhoto) symbol as not available now on OS Catalina. iPhoto is not a problem as I have the newer "Photos" app. But there is nothing to replace iMovie.

In the App store I only find a version that requires OS 14.6 or higher.

Raf.

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Answer 3

Rich839

Level 8

48,036 points

Mar 25, 2025 3:10 PM in response to Rich839

O.K. The iMovie app is probably hidden from your App store purchases folder. You probably only need to unhide it.

Sign into your account in the App store. Click on the View information item in the upper right of the screen.

In the screen that pops up, scroll to "Hidden Items" and then click on "Manage".

In the pop-up screen, find iMovie. Click Unhide and then Done. iMovie will appear in your Purchases folder.

-- Rich

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Answer 4

Rich839

Level 8

48,036 points

Mar 27, 2025 8:56 AM in response to Rich839

Apparently the App store Account page has changed its display from the screen shots that I posted above. Now, instead of "View Information" the item is "Account Settings".

When I click on Account Settings I get the following page that shows the Unhide procedure that I had described in my earlier post:

Are you not getting the above page?

-- Rich

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Answer 5

Rich839

Level 8

48,036 points

Mar 24, 2025 5:25 PM in response to muesli_usa

Hi,

Try this procedure to obtain the highest iMovie 10 version that your Catalina operating system will run:

To update/redownload iMovie 10, sign in to the app store and open your purchases folder by clicking on your name at the bottom of the app store side bar. You will see your purchases displayed, including iMovie 10. Redownload/update iMovie from there. You will be given the option to update to an earlier than current version of iMovie 10.

-- Rich

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Answer 6

muesli_usa Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 25, 2025 4:20 AM in response to Rich839

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the reply.

On my purchas folder I only see the 2 MacBook Pro that I have bought but not iMovie10. iMovie was always included in the OS when I bought the laptops but now it does not work anymore after update to Sierra and Catalina. In my newest laptop iMovie is included but I cannot connect my camcorder because Apple changed Thunderbolt and I cannot find a connecting cable DV IN/OUT to the new Thunderbolt on my MacBook.

Thanks,

Raf.

Reply

Answer 7

Rich839

Level 8

48,036 points

Mar 25, 2025 7:51 AM in response to muesli_usa

Hmmmm. Since iMovie was on your MacBook Pro at one point then it should appear in your purchases folder even if you had deleted iMovie in the past. However, you need to sign in to the App store with the same Apple I.D. that you used when you bought the MacBook Pro

Have you searched your Applications folder for it and done a Spotlight search of your Mac? If you find it you need to put the iMovie app in the trash, but do not empty the trash, and then do the procedure described in my earlier post. If you do not find it, then it should appear in the App store purchases folder as I mentioned as long as you sign in with the same Apple I.D. that you used when you bought the computer.

-- Rich

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Answer 8

muesli_usa Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 26, 2025 10:35 AM in response to Rich839

Hi Rich,

Sorry But I cannot find these screens that you show me.

When I go to my account I can chose between my devices and my orders. Orders: baket is empty. Devices: the same screen that I showed already: my two laptops. Ane the only possibility when clicking on one of the devices is asking for help. But not view information or hidden purchases.

Raf.