macOS Catalina Patcher for Mac
Run macOS Catalina on your Unsupported Mac.
Free
In English
Version 1.4.7When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission
macOS Catalina Patcher overview
macOS Catalina Patcher lets you install macOS Catalina on Mac computers that are no longer officially supported. It can help you create a bootable USB drive that can be used to install macOS Catalina on Mac computers older than mid 2012.
Important disclaimer
MacUpdate team strongly suggests not to install macOS Catalina if you only have one computer or if it is your main machine. Also consider creating a Time Machine backup before proceeding with an installation and look through System Compatibility section. Do not attempt to install macOS Catalina on computers that are in the Not Supported list.
Important Info
APFS BootROM Support: If you have a machine that supports High Sierra natively, you MUST ensure you have the latest version of the system's BootROM installed. If you have NOT previously installed High Sierra, you can download and install this package to install the latest BootROM version. When installing, ensure your system is plugged in to power, or the update will not be installed.
System Compatibility
Early-2008 or newer Mac Pro, iMac, or MacBook Pro:
- MacPro3,1
- MacPro4,1
- MacPro5,1
- iMac8,1
- iMac9,1
- iMac10,x
- iMac11,x (systems with AMD Radeon HD 5xxx and 6xxx series GPUs will be almost unusable when running Catalina.)
- iMac12,x (systems with AMD Radeon HD 5xxx and 6xxx series GPUs will be almost unusable when running Catalina.)
- MacBookPro4,1
- MacBookPro5,x
- MacBookPro6,x
- MacBookPro7,x
- MacBookPro8,x
Late-2008 or newer MacBook Air or Aluminum Unibody MacBook:
- MacBookAir2,1
- MacBookAir3,x
- MacBookAir4,x
- MacBook5,1
Early-2009 or newer Mac Mini or white MacBook:
- Macmini3,1
- Macmini4,1
- Macmini5,x (systems with AMD Radeon HD 6xxx series GPUs will be almost unusable when running Catalina.)
- MacBook5,2
- MacBook6,1
- MacBook7,1
Early-2008 or newer Xserve:
- Xserve2,1
- Xserve3,1
Machines that ARE NOT supported:
2006-2007 Mac Pros, iMacs, MacBook Pros, and Mac Minis: MacPro1,1 MacPro2,1 iMac4,1 iMac5,x iMac6,1 iMac7,1 MacBookPro1,1 MacBookPro2,1 MacBookPro3,1 Macmini1,1 Macmini2,1The 2007 iMac 7,1 is compatible if the CPU is upgraded to a Penryn-based Core 2 Duo, such as a T9300.
2006-2008 MacBooks:
- MacBook1,1
- MacBook2,1
- MacBook3,1
- MacBook4,1
2008 MacBook Air (MacBookAir 1,1)
Known Issues
- AMD/ATI Radeon HD 5xxx and 6xxx series graphics acceleration: Currently, it is not possible to achieve full graphics acceleration under Catalina on any machines that use a Radeon HD 5xxx or 6xxx series GPU. If you have a machine with one of these GPUs installed, I'd advise upgrading it if possible (can be done in 2010/2011 iMacs, iMac11,x-12,x), disabling the dedicated GPU if using a 2011 15" or 17" MacBook Pro (MacBookPro8,2/8,3, instructions to do so can be found here), or not installing Catalina. Running Catalina without full graphics acceleration will result in extremely poor system performance.
- 2008 Mac Pro 3,1 AMD GPU Support: FIXED as of Catalina Patcher 1.2.0.
Tutorial Video
What’s new in version 1.4.7
- Reverted and improved Library Validation Disabler patch
- Fixed issue where built-in installer downloading implementation may not download the latest Catalina installer
macOS Catalina Patcher for Mac
Free
In English
Version 1.4.7
Write a detailed review about macOS Catalina Patcher
(20 Reviews of macOS Catalina Patcher)
Comments
User Ratings
Nov 8 2022
Version: 1.4.7
DosDude did a great job here again! My mid 2009 Macbook pro (with SSD, 8GB Ram running High Sierra patched) is running Catalina now without a problem. Making the installer disk was a breeze, and everything went smooth. The installer's disk utility converted my SSD to AFPS without data loss. There is a problem when you upgrade with Google Chrome not starting up, but that can be fixed by running terminal: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-10-15-catalina-on-unsupported-macs.2183772/page-383?post=28325409#post-28325409
Thanks!
Sep 20 2022
Version: 1.4.7
double-click on patch and nothing happend, mac late 2011
Feb 6 2022
Version: 1.4.4
I tested out on two devices: 2009 (MBP 13") and 2012 MacPro 6C (metal GPU). Great that you can boot in Catalina but....
1) Wifi card not usable on BOTH devices - only hotspot working
2) Google Chrome cannot load
3) MS365 struggles to load without first reporting issues and 2nd time round, would then open up the applications
4) Most "essential" Apple apps works
The only advantage for me is that this patcher would enable MS365 support/updates on old devices beyond Mojave. Losing wifi capability is a user choice because you can still hardwire ethernet to the devices. The patcher is therefore a "give-n-take". I have not read anywhere people losing their wifi firmware support.
Great idea and patch work for Catalina boot for non-supportive macs.
Nov 10 2021
Version: 1.4.4
Currently: Mojave, 10.14.6
Mac pro - mid 2012
Processor: 2 x 3.46 Ghz 6-core Intel Xeon
memory : 128GB 1333 Mhx DDR3
Startup disk SSD
Graphics : Radeon RX 580 8 GB
I have got so far: created the USB Bootable Installer ok.
However, I am unable to get the discs connected showing on start up.
I held down the Option key when the chimes sound - but nothing happens - screen stays black. If I let go the Opt key, it boots as normal.
What am I missing?
Jun 27 2021
Version: 1.4.4
It worked on my mid 2011 mac, but it has virtually crippled the functioning of the graphics card, and slowed it to a crawl. Anyone know how to reverse the process? I don't really want to buy a new machine.
