: Navigate to the Apple Support macOS Download Portal and click the Sierra 10.12 hyperlink to download the InstallOS.dmg file directly to your Downloads folder.
Disconnect your Mac from the internet. Open Terminal during the boot installation process and change your system clock back to a year close to the software's release (e.g., type date 1015121517 to set the date to October 15, 2017). Restart the installation. "An error occurred while preparing the installation"
You can download these updates directly from Apple Support:
What are you currently using to perform the download?
Once the download is complete, the installer might not open automatically. You can find the installer package (named "Install macOS Sierra") in your Applications folder. It's important to note that this file is a full, self-contained installer, not just a web-based downloader.
The installation file is approximately 4.88GB .
Troubleshooting: If the download is only 22 MB instead of 5 GB, you have downloaded the stub installer. Delete it and use Method 1 or Method 3.
But here is the challenge: Apple no longer lists Sierra prominently on the Mac App Store. If you search for "download macOS 1012 Sierra full" today, you will likely encounter broken links, outdated torrents, or malware-ridden “installers.” This guide will walk you through the to obtain the complete Sierra installer in 2025.
2. Official Methods to Download macOS 10.12 Sierra Full Installer