macOS - Software - Download Monterey Installer

What the Monterey Downloader does

This Automox Worklet™ downloads the macOS Monterey installer from Apple's software update servers to your endpoints. The Worklet queries available installer versions and fetches the latest Monterey build to the /Applications folder, staging it for the subsequent upgrade process.

Before initiating the download, the Worklet performs compatibility checks specific to Monterey. It verifies that the endpoint runs macOS Catalina or later (required to cache installers), confirms the endpoint is not already on Monterey or a newer version, checks for at least 20 GB of free disk space, and validates Secure Token status on Apple Silicon Macs.

Why download a specific macOS version

Not every environment can upgrade to the latest macOS immediately. Some applications or security tools require certification for new operating system versions before deployment. By targeting Monterey specifically, you can upgrade older endpoints while maintaining compatibility with your software stack.

This approach supports phased upgrade strategies where you validate each macOS version in your environment before proceeding to the next. You might upgrade endpoints from Catalina or Big Sur to Monterey, test thoroughly, then plan for Ventura or Sonoma in a subsequent phase.

Pre-staging the Monterey installer separates the lengthy download from the upgrade process. The installer is approximately 12 GB, and caching it ahead of time reduces upgrade window duration. You can schedule downloads during off-peak hours and trigger installations during maintenance windows.

How Monterey download works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet checks if the endpoint runs macOS Catalina (Darwin 19) or later. It verifies the endpoint is not already on Monterey (Darwin 21), Ventura (Darwin 22), or higher. It checks if the Monterey installer already exists in /Applications and validates Secure Token status on Apple Silicon endpoints.

2. Remediation phase: The script queries softwareupdate --list-full-installers for the latest Monterey version, then runs softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer with that version. On Apple Silicon Macs, it uses either the Automox service account or console user with Secure Token enabled. After download, it verifies the installer exists at /Applications/Install macOS Monterey.app.

Monterey download requirements

• macOS Catalina (10.15) or Big Sur (11.x) as the current operating system

• At least 20 GB of free disk space

• Network access to Apple's software update servers

• Apple Silicon: Secure Token enabled for Automox service account or console user

• Hardware compatible with macOS Monterey

• Extended Worklet timeout (download may take up to one hour)

Expected state after Monterey download

After successful remediation, the installer application appears at /Applications/Install macOS Monterey.app. The installer is ready for the Upgrade macOS Worklet to execute the actual upgrade process. Users will not see any prompts during the download phase.

You can verify the download by checking for the Monterey installer in /Applications or by reviewing the Worklet execution logs. The logs confirm the exact Monterey build version downloaded. If the download fails, macOS automatically removes partial files, so no manual cleanup is needed.

How to validate download monterey installer changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot macOS endpoint and review evaluation output for download monterey installer.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as exit.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as function, exit, sudo, then rerun evaluation for compliance.