How can I see which macOS version is installed on an external disk, without booting into it?

Question

Is there a file somewhere in the System folder or in the Library that shows me which OS is installed on the disk?

fd0 · Accepted Answer · 2020-08-23 10:00:12Z

7

You can read the SystemVersion.plist on that particular volume-

/Volumes/<volume_name>/System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist

answered Aug 15 '20 at 11:49

fd0

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benwiggy · Accepted Answer · 2020-08-15 12:37:27Z

2

If there's a valid, bootable system on it, then it will be listed in System Preferences > Startup Disk, with its version number.

answered Aug 15 '20 at 11:49

benwiggy

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Doesn't work for me. I see no system info for the external disks. – SPRBRN Aug 15 '20 at 11:55
@SPRBRN That's odd. See the screenshot I've added. – benwiggy Aug 15 '20 at 12:38
I see, but here it only shows the volume name. – SPRBRN Aug 15 '20 at 14:47
1

Could it mean those volumes are not bootable? – Steve Chambers Aug 15 '20 at 16:05
2

@SteveChambers - volumes are bootable, but encrypted. Maybe that's the issue here? – SPRBRN Aug 16 '20 at 15:10

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