Downloading macOS Catalina on a new Mac, for an old Mac

[tomacwhite]

I'd like to create a bootable USB drive to install Catalina on a 2012 Mac Mini, but I am unable to download it on my MacBook Air M1 as it's obviously an old OS. Even using links that take you to the App Store where it's stored won't allow a download of the image.

Any other solutions out there? I am sure years ago on Mountain Lion, I was able to download it direct from Apples site, but I am guessing they don't offer this ability any more.

 

[tomacwhite]

I may have found the solution myself, with a bit more work (but it's at least official).
Download from here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102662

I could get Sierra (the last direct-downloadable OS), then upgrade to Catalina from there once the 2012 Mac mini is up and running.I am not sure if I could skip High Sierra and Mojave and jump straight to Catalina, or if I need to do each one? Anyone know for sure?

 

[Bigwaff]

Anyone know for sure?

Download open source Mist app. You can create a Catalina USB bootable installer directly from the app.

Release 0.10 · ninxsoft/Mist

Mist now ships logs to the unified logging system! You can view the Mist Log window via the: ⌘ + L keyboard shortcut Mist > Window app menu Show Mist Log toolbar button Logs can also be monitor...

github.com

 

[tomacwhite]

Thank you so much!! 👍