How to Install macOS Ventura on Unsupported Macs

The final build of macOS Ventura is expected to hit the public this fall after months of beta testing. The latest macOS software update was introduced back at this year’s WWDC, offering new features, better security, and performance improvements. 

At the June event, Apple revealed that the company would discontinue multiple older Macs, including the Trash Can Mac Pro and the original MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. However, a group of developers claims that they have been working on a tool that lets you run the latest macOS version on unsupported Macs. 

This tutorial will show you how to install macOS Ventura on unsupported Macs. Before we begin, make sure you have a backup of your device in case something goes wrong during the process. 

What you will need:

  • macOS Ventura file. You can download the latest developer beta from the Apple Developer website if you are part of the Apple Developer Program. Otherwise, you can get the macOS Ventura beta from this link.
  • A USB macOS Ventura bootable USB. You can follow the steps mentioned in this tutorial to create a macOS bootable drive.

Install OpenCore Boot Manager for your macOS USB Installer

Once you have your own macOS Ventura USB Installer, you can now use OpenCore Boot Manager to install Ventura. To get OpenCore, go to this link. 

Step 1: Run OpenCore-Patcher.app to install it on your Mac.

Step 2: Now set up SMC and Misc settings. This step is to avoid any errors concerning the SMC version. From the Settings tab, adjust the configuration of SMCBIOS. From the SMC BIOS settings, select New Mac to install macOS on your machine. 

Settings Tab in OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Step 3: Install OpenCore Boot Manager. To do it, click on Return to Main Menu from the Settings tab. From here, select Build and install OpenCore to start the building process. Once it’s done, click on Install OpenCore and select the macOS 13 Ventura USB installer you created earlier. 

Install OpenCore

Step 4: Click on the EFI partition to install OpenCore.

OpenCore

Step 5: Now restart your machine while holding down the Option key. Select the EFI Boot partition from the boot screen with the OpenCore icon.

Step 6: On the next screen, click on Disk Utility, the Erase tab, and choose the startup volume called Macintosh HD.

Step 7: Enter a name for your disk and select the format. Make sure the APFS option is selected if your drive is SSD. 

Step 8: Format your disk and go back to the InstallAssistant screen. From here, click on Install macOS Ventura and hit Continue. 

Once you are done installing macOS Ventura beta on your Mac, consider installing OpenCore boot manager in the EFI partition so you can quickly start up your machine with macOS Ventura without having to plug in your USB drive. Here are the steps.

  • Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher using the download link above.
  • Select Build and install OpenCore
  • Now you are free to install it on your internal drive. 
  • Select your internal EFI Boot partition and turn off your Mac
  • When your Mac is booting up, hold down the Option key.
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
Categories Mac
About John Smith

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.