On modern macOS (Mojave and newer), this link will fail or say “Update not found.” If that happens, use a friend’s older Mac or follow Method 2.
# Create a blank disk image hdiutil create -o /tmp/ElCapitan.cdr -size 8000m -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J # Mount the blank image hdiutil attach /tmp/ElCapitan.cdr.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/install_build # Base System creation using the built-in Apple tool sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/install_build --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app --nointeraction # Unmount the newly created installer volume hdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan # Convert the DMG image to an ISO/CDR format hdiutil convert /tmp/ElCapitan.cdr.dmg -format UDTO -o /tmp/ElCapitan.iso # Move the ISO to your Desktop mv /tmp/ElCapitan.iso.cdr ~/Desktop/ElCapitan.iso Use code with caution. How to Create an El Capitan ISO on Windows mac os x 1011 el capitan iso download link
Before you install, ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements: OS X El Capitan - Technical Specifications - Apple Support On modern macOS (Mojave and newer), this link