Which Mac model and year are you on, and do you absolutely need El Capitan here? I ask this because El Capitan is comparatively difficult to get to.
If your Mac runs newer versions of macOS, that’d generally be a better choice, and (much) easier to get to.
Mar 04, 2021 How to Perform a Clean Install of OS X El Capitan. OS X El Capitan (OS X 10.11) offers two installation methods. This guide focuses on the 'clean install' method. When you install El Capitan on your current startup drive with the clean install method, you erase everything on the drive. That includes OS X, your user data, and personal files. The latest software makes your Mac device compatible with the new technological developments. Still, it also makes the existing OS obsolete. That's why most Mac users with old devices try to update their Mac to OS X El Capitan. However, you can't update your Mac to El Capitan 10.11 if your Mac runs on software later than Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Reinstalling an operating system can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. Mac OS X El Capitan. Yosemite just got bigger. In order to transmit multicast flows from Dante Virtual Soundcard on OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), the IP address of the Ethernet port must be set to static, and/or the Wi-Fi port must be turned on. I had an issue with El Capitan beta 3 which prevented Mail working. I noticed that if I checked via 'About' it did not even say El Capitan was the OS. I dexited therefore to reinstall adopting the method above. Very easy way to reinstall Mac if you are thinking about selling your computer or simply need to install a fresh copy OS X El Capitan follow the tutorial to.
Do you know the Mac model and year?
And can you tell us what happened here that you’re now contemplating re-installing macOS? Why I ask? A number or folks asking for this sequence have had corruptions, somebody then suggested a re-install, and—if these corruptions are due to a failing hard disk drive, for instance—a re-install won’t fix that.
Factory Reset El Capitan Imac
If you really need El Capitan and can’t run something newer, here’s the general sequence involved: OS upgrade - Apple Community. You will need another Mac, and particularly one capable of running El Capitan. (There’s another way that doesn’t, but it’s… even more complicated than this path.)
If your Mac and your apps can run High Sierra or newer, that’s the path to take: How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support
Whatever you pick, have backups of your data.
Aug 26, 2021 4:39 PM
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
Check compatibility
Mac El Capitan Problems
macOS Big Sur is compatible with the following computers. If your Mac isn't compatible, you might be able to install an old version of macOS instead.
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.
If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
Download macOS Big Sur
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
Install macOS Big Sur
After downloading, the installer opens automatically. Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, it might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
Stay up to date
After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. To check for updates, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.