Want to install the latest macOS beta version without risking your data or disrupting your workflow? There is a way to install the beta version on a partition and run it along with your trusted macOS stable version. Basically, you will have two operating systems on your Mac – one stable and one beta. This approach lets you explore the new features of the beta version without compromising your current setup. Here are the steps to create a partition on your Mac and install the macOS beta version. We will be installing macOS Sequoia for this guide.
Installing the macOS beta version on a different partition of your Mac involves these steps:
Step 1 – Create a Partition on Your Mac
It’s a good idea to back up your Mac before creating a partition and installing a second OS on your system.
- Open Disk Utility and select your internal disk from the sidebar.
- Click the plus button for Volume on the top bar. Alternatively, click on Edit > Add APFS Volume in the menu bar.
- Choose a name for your new volume—I’ll go with Sequoia.
- Set Format to APFS if it isn’t already.
- You can specify the volume size under Size Options, but it’s optional.
- Finally, click Add and then Done to complete the process.
Pro Tip: Did you know you can now change background while on a FaceTime call on your MacBook? Learn how to get the iconic Apple Park rainbow background.
Step 2 – Install macOS Beta Version on Partition
- First, download the macOS Beta Installer from Beta Profiles or MrMacintosh.
- Install the Installer and open it.
- Agree to the terms, then select the partition you created (in my case, it’s Sequoia).
- Next, choose the owner of the OS from your macOS profiles and click on Install. Make sure your MacBook is connected to a charger during installation.
- The installation process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours. During this time, do not close the app or shut down your Mac.
- Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to Restart your Mac to boot into the installed version on the partition and complete the setup process.
Did You: Have you tried the new AI writing tools on your macOS?
Step 3 – Access Both Stable and Beta macOS Versions
To access the installed macOS beta, start by shutting down your Mac. Hold down the power button until the startup options screen appears. From there, select the partition where you installed the beta version, and your Mac will boot into it.
To return to your regular macOS, simply power on your Mac as usual. The stable version will boot by default unless you change the settings.
If you want the beta version to be your default operating system, go to System Settings, then General, and select Startup Disk. Choose the partition with the beta installation and click on Restart. Your Mac will boot into the beta version automatically every time you start it up
That’s it! Similarly, you can run three or even more macOS versions on your Mac. Simply create a partition, install the macOS version, and select the desired partition for installation. However, you will need much more storage and raw performance to pull it off. This process works not only for installing beta versions but also for setting up two different stable OSes if that’s what you prefer.
