Categories: Mac

How to Install X11 in OS X

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This guide explains how to install X11 in OS X. However, X11 is no longer a part of macOS (since OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion). Apple now suggests users to switch to XQuartz project (more info here).

Starting with OS X 10.5 (Leopard) X11 came installed by default. Unless you went out of your way not to install it during the Leopard installation, you’ll find it in /usr/X11

  1. Insert your OS X Tiger Install Disc (#1). Scroll down (it took me forever to realize you had to scroll down) to locate the Optional Installs icon and double-click it

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  3. Click Continue on the first screen

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  5. Read the Software License Agreement and then click Continue

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  7. Click Agree
  8. Select a location and (you guessed it) click Continue

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  10. Click the small triangle directly next to Applications and then place a check in the box labeled X11. When you’re ready, click Upgrade.

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  12. Enter your password when prompted, and then click OK
  13. The installation won’t take too long

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  15. After X11 has successfully installed, click Close

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  17. Congrats, you now have a fresh install of X11 in OS X! It can now be found in Applications > Utilities > X11

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View Comments

  • I never leave a post but I need to say "You are a blessing!!!" Thank you so much. It was so simple...thanks to you! I would have never figure this one out on my own....

  • Amazingly simple when you know where to go and what to do! Can't thank you enough for these straightforward directions. I've been at this for 3 hours on my own. So glad I found you! Thanks again!!!

  • Hi,
    Really good help, that is.
    Wasn't sure where to click to get to that Installation screen, so glad you showed it in detail, thanks!

    :)

  • Thanks a lot, i was really struggling with this. I have to say your instructions were an absolute life saver. Thanks again.

  • Excellent! I am embarrassed to say that I did not notice that the window had other items that had to be scrolled to when I first saw it today as well. I knew that I did not want to go through the regular install, because it included all of the base OS X files. Thanks for posting these instructions!

Published by
Ross McKillop