How to Install X11 in OS X

July 27, 2020 / By

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

    2. Optional Installs.mpkg in a Finder window
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  2. Click Continue on the first screen

    3. the first window in the Install X11 wizard
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  3. Read the Software License Agreement and then click Continue

    4. the X11 terms and conditions
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  4. Click Agree

    5. an Agree button in OS X

  5. Select a location and (you guessed it) click Continue

    6. choosing a location to install X11 in OS X
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  6. Click the small triangle directly next to Applications and then place a check in the box labeled X11. When you’re ready, click Upgrade.

    7. placing a check in the X11 box
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  7. Enter your password when prompted, and then click OK

    8. entering a password in OS X

  8. The installation won’t take too long

    9. installing X11 in OS X
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  9. After X11 has successfully installed, click Close

    10. closing the Optional Software installation wizard
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  10. Congrats, you now have a fresh install of X11 in OS X! It can now be found in Applications > Utilities > X11

    11. X11 in a Finder window
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