So, you’ve decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac’s performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we’ll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.

A list of all Mac OS X versions

We’ll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it’s good to know the basic macOS timeline.

1. The 1.4 version of Database Window for Access 2010 is provided as a free download on our software library. The following versions: 1.4, 1.3 and 1.1 are the most frequently downloaded ones by the program users. The actual developer of the free program is IDBE Avenius. The size of the latest setup package available is 728 KB.
2. Microsoft Access, free and safe download. Microsoft Access latest version: The powerful database application from Office.

Download Microsoft Office 2010. This is the final version of the Microsoft Office 2010.

STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation

Given your Mac isn’t new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have “fuel” to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.

Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:

• Uninstall large unused apps
• Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
• Locate the biggest files on your computer:

Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)

STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download

Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That’s why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.

How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store

If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you’ll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn’t always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:

1. Click the App Store icon.
2. Click Purchases in the top menu.
3. Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
4. Click Download.

This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.

Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer

If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.

Purchase an older version of Mac operating system

You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.

Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8

The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.

How to get macOS El Capitan download

If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it’s possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:

1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.

“I can’t download an old version of Mac OS X”

If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don’t expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.

But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac (or virtual machine) running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities.

After you’ve completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.

STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive

The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.

1. Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
2. Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
3. Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
4. Select external drive as a source.
5. Enter your Apple ID.

Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down. Now that the installation file is “captured” onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.

1. Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
2. Connect the external drive.
3. Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.

Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.

How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions

If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra

Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra

Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave

What Is Microsoft Access Download

Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina

Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).

Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version

If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.

If you are a newcomer to the macOS, then you might be looking for some programs that you are familiar with. These programs can be personal or work-related and in this article, we are going to discuss Microsoft Access for Mac.

We are going to take a look at Microsoft Access’ availability on macOS and also other alternatives that you can use on Apple’s hardware. We are also going to take a look at how to install them. Ready? Let’s get started.

Contents

• 2 Best Methods to Get Microsoft Access for Mac
  • 2.2 2. Using Boot Camp Assistant

Is Microsoft Access Available for Mac?

Microsoft Access is a database management program that is used by individuals and companies. If you have done any prior research on the subject, you might already know that Microsoft does not make a macOS version of their software. But do not worry, as this does not mean you cannot use Access or an Access alternative on your Mac.

In the next section, we are going to take a look at ways you can use Microsoft Access on your Mac and also some of the best alternatives for it.

Best Methods to Get Microsoft Access for Mac

This list contains five things you can do to get Microsoft Access for Mac. The methods are not ranked and offer slightly different advantages, so you can choose whatever suits you best. The first 2 methods on this list will be focused on getting the original Microsoft Access for Mac.

1. Using Virtual Machines

Virtual machines are really cool. They let you emulate another computer system without restarting your system or partitioning your drive. Softwares like VMWare and Parallel Desktop 15 lets you run the Windows operating system without a lot of hiccups. Virtual Machines do cause a slight performance hit but if you choose the right software, this can be minimized. After installing Windows on your VM, you can easily run any Windows application.

I won’t recommend that you buy VM just to use Microsoft Access but if you have other essential Windows programs that have no alternatives or if you need to use Microsoft Access for some reason, you should definitely buy it. You can check out VMWare and Parallel Desktop 15. Both offer trial versions so you can make an informed decision.

2. Using Boot Camp Assistant

Boot Camp Assistant lets you easily install Windows 10 on your Mac and also lets you switch between macOS and Windows during restart. The only reason to consider Boot Camp over virtual machines is that there is no performance hit whatsoever. There are several requirements for this method.

Requirements

1. Latest macOS update.
2. 16 GB external USB flash drive.
3. 64GB or more free storage for a nice experience.
4. A 64-bit Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro ISO. You can download it on Microsoft’s website.

Compatible Devices

The following are the compatible devices listed on the Apple website.

1. 2015 MacBook or later
2. MacBook Air introduced in 2012 or later
3. MacBook Pro introduced in 2012 or later
4. Mac mini introduced in 2012 or later
5. iMac introduced in 2012 or later1
6. iMac Pro (all models)
7. Mac Pro introduced in 2013

How to Use Boot Camp Assistant

1. Open Boot Camp and follow the instructions. You will be asked to insert your USB drive so that Boot Camp can turn it into a bootable drive for Windows installation. You will also be asked to choose the partition size. Remember that it has to be at least 64GB because you can’t change it later on.
2. Your computer will restart soon and it will show you WIndows installer. You will be asked to choose the partition you want to install Windows in. After choosing, press Format.
3. Unplug any other drives or external displays (do not unplug the bootable USB drive) and just follow the instructions shown. Windows will be installed.
4. After the restart, you will be taken to the Bootcamp WIndow. Install Bootcamp and other Windows drivers and your Mac will restart again. That’s all you have to do.

3. Wizard

Access 2010 For Mac Free Download

If you don’t want the hassle of installing an entirely different OS on your Mac and you are willing to use an alternative to Microsoft Access, then Wizard is for you. Wizard lets you easily create databases and crunch numbers. Just like Access, it offers a ton of features and that is why it is considered Microsoft Access for Mac. You can even import your Access MDB files.

The normal version of Wizard is available on the Mac App Store for $79.99 while the Pro version is available for $199. Both of them offer trial versions so you can use that to make your decisions.

4. File Maker Pro

File Maker Pro is one of the most popular database management programs for Mac. It offers a lot of helpful tools, just like Microsoft’s offering and that is why it is one of the best Microsoft Access alternatives for Mac. It is owned by a subsidiary of Apple so it has nice optimization and design. Although it shares a lot of features with Microsoft Access, it’s also very different from it, the main sticking point being transparency. While Access lets you view underlying tables, File Maker does not let you do that.

The pricing is different for the different numbers of users. You can get an annual subscription or a perpetual license. Check out their prices on their website.

Microsoft Access 2010 Download

5. MDB ACCDB Viewer

MDB ACCDB Viewer is one of the most powerful database tools for Mac. It supports .mdb as well as the .accdb format. MDB ACCDB Viewer lets you easily view, search and export your data. It also handles large databases with ease. However, while this program can view the data in databases, it cannot display forms or queries. It also cannot modify the database.

You can download MDB ACCDB Viewer for $18.99 from the Mac App Store.

Also Read: RUFUS for Mac

Final Take

That is all there is to know about Microsoft Access for Mac. Hopefully, one of our methods or apps came in handy. If you have any doubts or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section down below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Access 2010 For Mac Free Download 32-bit