How to Safely Install the macOS Monterey Public Beta: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Apple has released the public beta for macOS Monterey, the next major update for Mac computers (final release expected later in 2021). It introduces significant enhancements. This guide walks you through installing the beta on your Mac, with tips to minimize risks. Expect multiple updates leading to the stable version.

Contents: What's new in macOS Monterey? What devices are supported? How to install on your primary partition. How to create a separate partition.

(Looking for steps to install macOS Monterey, iOS 15, and iPadOS 15 public betas? We've got you covered here.)

What's New in macOS Monterey?

One standout feature from WWDC 2021 is Universal Control, enabling seamless cursor and file dragging between iPad and Mac as if connected. Watch Dieter Bohn's demo video below for details.

Macs now support Shortcuts and serve as AirPlay receivers for iPhone or iPad content. For a full overview of changes, see Mitchell Clark's highlights here.

Additional coverage:

What Devices Support macOS Monterey?

Compatible models include:

• iMac (late 2015 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017 and later)
• Mac Pro (late 2013 and later)
• Mac mini (late 2014 and later)
• MacBook Pro (early 2015 and later)
• MacBook Air (early 2015 and later)
• MacBook (early 2016 and later)

How to Install macOS Monterey Beta on Your Main Partition

Backup first using Time Machine. This ensures you can revert to Big Sur if issues arise. Betas can have bugs, app incompatibilities, or battery drain—avoid on deadline-critical machines. Ensure 20GB free space.

For safety, consider a separate partition (detailed below) on macOS High Sierra or later to isolate the beta.

Steps:

• Visit the Apple Beta Software Portal in Safari.
• Sign up with your Apple ID if new, or click "Enroll your devices".
• Select "macOS".
• Download the "macOS Beta Public Access Utility" .DMG to register your Mac.
• Run the installer; it prompts for Time Machine backup if missing (you did backup, right?).
• Go to System Preferences > Software Update. You'll see "This Mac is enrolled in Apple's Beta Software Program". Note: Download availability varies; notifications alert you.
• Download (takes time), then install.

How to Create a Separate Partition

Isolate the beta to protect your main system.

• Open Disk Utility (Spotlight search).

• Under "Internal", select your primary volume (APFS on High Sierra+).
• Click + above "Volume" to add a new one.
• Name it, click Add. APFS shares space dynamically—no fixed allocation needed.
• For Mac OS Extended: Click Partition, name, allocate ~30GB (betas exceed 10GB).
• Install beta on new volume.
• Switch: Restart, hold Option key at boot.