How to download OS X El Capitan without Apple hardware I recently purchased a MacBook (Mid-2009), but the hard drive is empty, no OS X and etc. I want to download the Install OS X El Capitan.app and install it, but I don't have any other Mac hardware to do that with. What should I do?


Go to Apple Store and purchase the install disc?
My friend has iMac and ask him if he could download the installer and make the USB Installer?
There is no OS X El Capitan install disk. OS X is distributed through the App Store now.

Yes, ask your friend to create a bootable installer for OS X El Capitan. It should be a fairly straightforward process. 

Once you have the drive, hold down the option key while restarting your Mac to boot from the installer USB.