Install Ventura on Unsupported Mac

In October 2022, Apple launched macOS Ventura, introducing new features to its computers, including new apps, the ability to edit messages in iMessage, the new iCloud Shared Photo Library, and the highlight feature, the Stage Manager for multitasking. While many users benefited from these new features, some were unable to access them.

Usually, when a new macOS version is released, some computers become ineligible for future software updates from Apple. This may lead you to think that your computer has become obsolete or vulnerable to security risks. However, there are methods to install the latest version of macOS on unsupported Macs, and we’ll share them with you in our article.

Before we start:

 

When you’re preparing to upgrade your Mac, it’s wise to clean up your system first. This can help free up disk space, which in turn can prevent issues during the new version's installation. It’s also a great way to freshen up your computer’s performance, and using a tool like MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup can also help your Mac run faster.

 

To use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup, you should:

1. Launch the MacKeeper app on your computer.
2. Under the Cleaning section, find and select Safe Cleanup.
3. Hit the Start Scan button.
4. Use the checkboxes to choose the folders to scan.
5. Hit Clean Junk Files.
6. Wait until the cleaning is complete.

Keep reading to learn how to install macOS Ventura on an unsupported Mac safely.

What is an unsupported Mac

Electronic devices have two life cycles. The first one is the obvious physical lifespan until the device stops working. The other life cycle refers to the software that runs the device. When a manufacturer stops providing updates for a specific model, it becomes an unsupported device.

This also applies to Macs and other Apple products. An unsupported Mac can no longer install the latest macOS version. Although Apple provides several years of updates for Macs, older models eventually stop supporting the latest software, mainly due to their hardware limitations.

What Macs don’t support macOS Ventura

Here’s a complete list of all the Macs that can’t install macOS Ventura:

• MacBook models from 2016 or before
• MacBook Air models from 2017 or before
• MacBook Pro models from 2016 or before
• Mac mini models from 2014 or before
• iMac models from 2015 or before
• iBook, PowerBook, eMac, Power Mac, Xserve, and other obsolete models

Can you install macOS Ventura on unsupported Mac

If you’re reading this post, it’s likely because you want to know if installing macOS Ventura on a Mac that isn’t compatible with this software version is possible. Fortunately, as we’ll describe later, there are several methods to do so.

Before proceeding, you should know that Apple has discontinued support for its latest macOS versions on older Macs for valid reasons. Therefore, consider if it’s worth the risk to your computer’s integrity. It may be time for you to purchase a new Mac.

On a side note, you may also be interested in how to downgrade from Big Sur to Catalina, both earlier versions than Ventura.

Is it safe to install Ventura on an unsupported Mac

Apple doesn’t recommend installing macOS Ventura on unsupported Macs due to potential issues such as slowdowns, crashes, or reduced battery life.

Is it legal to install Ventura on an unsupported Mac

There’s currently no law against installing macOS Ventura (or other Apple software) on unsupported Macs. You can rest easy knowing that you’re not doing anything illegal. In fact, this process isn’t mentioned directly or indirectly in Apple’s License Agreement. The License Agreement only states that you’re not allowed to install it on non-Apple computers, so the company doesn’t explicitly prohibit it either.

However, it’s also true that if you follow one of the processes described in our blog piece, you won’t be obtaining macOS Ventura directly from Apple, which is always the preferred way of getting software. In this context, it could be argued that there’s a loophole. In any case, nothing we mention here should have any legal repercussions for you.

Prepare your unsupported Mac before installing the macOS Ventura

Before you start installing macOS Ventura on your Mac, there are some important things to consider for ensuring a smooth process.

1. Back up your Mac

Here’s how to back up your Mac via Time Machine:

1. Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Select Time Machine.
3. Click the Select Backup Disk button.
4. Select your backup disk, then click Use Disk.
5. Wait until the backup is complete.

2. Other considerations

In addition to creating a Time Machine backup, you should think about the following:

• Think carefully about whether you really need the features of macOS Ventura. Maybe you can use an earlier version that works with your Mac, or you might want to wait for a later version, like macOS Sonoma.
• Consider if you need to learn how to delete old macOS updates.
• Carefully compare the different installation methods.
• Install cybersecurity software to protect your Mac before downloading macOS installers and any unofficial Apple software.

How to get macOS Ventura on an unsupported MacBook

There are a few methods to install macOS Ventura on an unsupported MacBook. One way is to use software that provides official patching to run this version. Another option is to use a virtual machine to emulate Apple’s OS or to create a “Hackintosh.”

1. Via OpenCore Legacy Patcher

The first method we’ll discuss involves installing the OpenCore Legacy Patcher, or OCLP, on your unsupported Mac. This software allows you to experience a near-native macOS Ventura (and other more recent OS) without direct support from Apple.

Important: Currently, this method supports MacBook (2008-2016), MacBook Air (2009-2017), MacBook Pro (2008-2016), Mac mini (2009-2017), iMac (2007-2017), and Mac Pro (2008-2013).

Below, we’ll guide you through the steps you need to follow to install macOS Ventura using the OpenCore Legacy Patcher.

1.1 Format the external USB drive

First, erase the external drive you want to use for the macOS Ventura installation:

1. Go to Finder and select Applications from the left-hand sidebar.
2. Open the Utilities folder.
3. Launch Disk Utility.
4. Choose the external drive to format from the sidebar, then click Erase on the top bar.
5. From the dialog box, change the disk’s name to OCLP_Installer and the scheme to GUID Partition Mac.
6. Click Erase to format the USB drive.

1.2 Download and install OCLP

Next, install the OpenCore Legacy Patcher on your Mac:

1. Go to the OpenCore Legacy Patcher page on Github.
2. Scroll down to find the latest version of OCLP available.
3. Download the OCLP zip file from the page.
4. Once the download is complete, double-click and extract the zip file.
5. Follow the on-screen steps to install the OCLP on your unsupported Mac.

1.3 Download macOS Ventura

After the OCLP is installed, download the macOS Ventura installer:

1. Launch the OCLP app.
2. Select Create macOS Installer from the menu.
3. Choose Download macOS Installer from the new window.
4. Once the download is complete, click on macOS 13.5 (22C74 - 11.9 GB).
5. Wait until the installation of the macOS Ventura file is finished.

1.4 Create a bootable macOS Ventura USB drive

Follow these steps to create a bootable macOS Ventura USB drive to install the OS:

1. Once the download is complete, the OCLP will start validating the macOS Installer.
2. When prompted, type in your username and password.
3. You’ll be asked if you want to create a macOS Installer. Click Yes to confirm.
4. To select a local macOS Installer, click Install macOS Ventura: 13.5 (22G73).

1.5 Configure OpenCore Legacy Patcher settings

Then, you’ll need to adjust the OCLP settings as needed:

1. Go to the main OCLP interface.
2. Click Settings.
3. Make sure the Verbose and Show Boot Picker options are unchecked.

1.6 Start the macOS Ventura installation process

Now, it’s time to start the macOS Ventura installation process:

1. Select the local disk where you want to install macOS Ventura, and confirm.
2. Type in your user name and password again.
3. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar, then select Restart.
4. Once the Mac is restarting, hold the Option key until you see the EFI Boot option.
5. Click on the EFI Boot icon.
6. Click Install macOS Ventura.
7. Now, click Install macOS Ventura, then click Continue.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the macOS Ventura installation.

1.7 Adjust settings after macOS Ventura installation

Finally, you can modify your Mac settings (which are now called System Settings, rather than System Preferences) to make the most of macOS Ventura.

In this respect, you can adjust the following settings:

• Set up the Mail app to schedule or cancel sending emails.
• Use the feature to edit or cancel recent iMessage messages in the Messages app.
• Connect your iPhone to your Mac to use your phone’s cameras as a webcam.
• Bookmark your favorite artists in Apple Music.
• Try out new accessibility features like playing ambient background sounds.

2. Use Virtual Machines

Several virtual machine options are available in the market, including Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, CrossOver, Whisky, UTM Virtual Machines, and VirtualBox. This type of software allows you to install and run other operating systems virtually. While it’s commonly used to run Windows on a Mac (or vice versa), it’s also a viable option for running macOS Ventura on an unsupported Mac.

This is how to use a virtual machine to run macOS Ventura on an unsupported Mac:

1. Click this link to download the macOS Ventura installer on your Mac.
2. Install your chosen virtual machine. For the purpose of this tutorial, we’ll be using VirtualBox.
3. From the virtual machine app, choose the macOS Ventura installer.
4. Run macOS Ventura on the new virtual machine by following the on-screen instructions.

So, should you run Ventura on an unsupported Mac?

We want to be clear, running macOS Ventura on a Mac that isn’t officially supported is generally considered safe, but you should know that you’ll be doing so at your own risk. Apple clearly doesn’t endorse or support this practice, and you should carefully consider the potential for performance issues on your computer.

In this regard, consider installing a tool like MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup to improve your Mac’s speed. Here’s how to clean your Mac with our dedicated cleaning tool:

1. Open the MacKeeper app on your Mac or MacBook.
2. Choose the Safe Cleanup option under the Cleaning section in the left sidebar.
3. Hit the Start Scan button.
4. When the scan is done, choose the folders you want to clean (Logs, Caches, Trash, Languages, and Mail Attachments).
5. Hit the Clean Junk Files button.
6. Choose Empty Trash to make your cleaning fully complete.

Now, enjoy the cluttered-free experience of your Apple device and don’t forget to run these cleaning scan with some regularity in mind.