Download full image of Catalina Beta?

[chiefj1254]

Hello all,

This is more of a question tied to the software update module in System Preferences, where updates are delivered now. I can't seem to find a way when updates are offered, to download the full MacOS installer, so I can apply it to a thumb drive and do a clean install. I know Catalina GM was available in the Mac Store, which is great, but I can't seem to do the same for subsequent updates. Anyone know if there is a way?

Thanks!

 

[fisherking]

why would you want to hold on to a beta version? if you downloaded beta .4 (for example), then .5 comes up... the logical thing would be to update; bug fixes, and all.

just curious what the purpose is...

 

[chiefj1254]

It's not so much about holding onto it, but rather I prefer to do clean installs on a wiped drive. When the next iteration comes out, beta 5 or 6 or what have you, I could opt to upgrade, but periodically I think it's good to clean house and do a fresh install. The problem with this delivery system is the option isn't there, at least not in System Preferences. All you seem to get is an incremental .pkg file. Does that make sense?

 

[bogdanw]

You can use gibMacOS https://github.com/corpnewt/gibMacOS
I've described the instalation here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/is-there-a-way-to-download-catalina-as-its-own-file-the-software-updater-has-failed-on-me-several-times.2215873/?post=28073346#post-28073346
Change Catalog to developer and you will get
Available Products:
1. macOS Catalina Beta 10.15.4 (19E242d)
- 061-77704 - Added 2020-02-26 18:01:56
2. macOS Catalina 10.15.3 (19D76)
- 061-44387 - Added 2020-01-28 17:56:34
3. macOS Catalina Beta 10.15.2 (19C39d)
- 061-44345 - Added 2019-11-15 18:01:13

 

[fisherking]

It's not so much about holding onto it, but rather I prefer to do clean installs on a wiped drive. When the next iteration comes out, beta 5 or 6 or what have you, I could opt to upgrade, but periodically I think it's good to clean house and do a fresh install. The problem with this delivery system is the option isn't there, at least not in System Preferences. All you seem to get is an incremental .pkg file. Does that make sense?

why not do clean installs (if you must) with each official release? betas are, by definition, works-in-progress (not that final versions are really 'finished' ). seems more logical to do this with a final version...