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The App store only allows me to download an update for the latest macOS using a MacBook Air, but as the 'creating a bootleable drive' article instructs, I need to download an installer for an earlier version in order to create a bootleable drive for an older iMac. How do I get around the App store to download the installer I need?
iMac 27″, macOS 12.1
To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer.
This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer.
Example : Bootable Installer of Big Sur would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Big Sur.
If the computer being used to download and create the Bootable Installer is either TOO NEW or TOO OLD to actually Qualify run the intended version of macOS on Bootable Installer - this computer can not be used for this purpose.
To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer.
This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer.
Example : Bootable Installer of Big Sur would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Big Sur.
If the computer being used to download and create the Bootable Installer is either TOO NEW or TOO OLD to actually Qualify run the intended version of macOS on Bootable Installer - this computer can not be used for this purpose.
Using exclusively Safari, visit the How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support site, verify that your Mac meets the hardware requirements for the version of macOS that you want, and then follow the link to the Mac App Store for the full downloadable installer. It wil be placed in your /Applications folder and may launch in preparation of the installation. Just quit it if it does that.
Then follow the instructions that you already have for creating a bootable installer on a 16GB USB stick.
One caveat is that if the version of macOS you attempt to obtain from the Mac App Store is older than what shipped originally on your Mac, it will not download. And, if your Mac is capable of running a newer version of macOS, the Mac App Store may block you from downloading that version of macOS unless you are on older Mac hardware.
Download macOS without Software Update
