macOS 10.11 El Capitan is the highest supported version on several models of Macs.
OS X El Capitan followed OS X Yosemite and prioritized speed, reliability, and safety under the hood. Continuing Apple’s tradition of naming macOS versions after iconic California landmarks (a trend that began with OS X Mavericks), this edition took its name from the towering granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. Released as a complimentary download via the Mac App Store on September 30, 2015, El Capitan offered subtle but meaningful upgrades.
New multi-touch gestures were introduced to apps like Mail and Messages, allowing users to quickly swipe across a trackpad to archive or flag conversations—mirroring familiar iOS interactions. Apple Maps gained public transit integration, echoing the iOS 9 experience, although initially limited to a small group of cities including New York, London, Paris, San Francisco, Toronto, and others.
The Notes app received a significant redesign, adding robust features like interactive to-do checklists, embedded web previews, multimedia attachments, sketches, and more—similar to its iOS 9 counterpart. Spotlight search got a boost as well, now surfacing context-aware content such as current weather, market data, headlines, and sports updates. It could also handle natural-language queries like “emails from yesterday” or “documents I worked on last week.”
Perhaps most notably, El Capitan introduced System Integrity Protection (SIP)—a security enhancement that locks down critical system components, preventing even administrator-level processes from making unauthorized changes.
If you’re running MacOS 10.11, we have the answers to all your questions below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Machines support macOS 10.11?
MacBook (Aluminum and later)
MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008)
MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009 or newer)
MacBook Air
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2007 or newer)
Mac mini
Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
iMac
iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
Mac Pro
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
Xserve
Xserve (Early 2009)
🛠️ Additional Requirements:
2 GB of RAM minimum (4 GB or more is recommended)
8.8 GB of available storage
Some features (like Handoff or AirDrop) require newer hardware with Bluetooth 4.0
What web browser is supported under 10.11?
Chromium Legacy is a special build of the Chromium web browser designed to run on older versions of macOS that are no longer supported by official Chromium or Google Chrome releases.
🔧 What Is Chromium Legacy?
Chromium Legacy is an unofficial fork of Chromium maintained by independent developers to bring a modern web browsing experience to older Macs—particularly those running macOS versions like:
macOS 10.7 Lion
macOS 10.8 Mountain Lion
macOS 10.9 Mavericks
macOS 10.10 Yosemite
macOS 10.11 El Capitan
Google stopped supporting these systems in standard Chromium and Chrome builds years ago, so Chromium Legacy fills the gap.
🧰 Key Features
Modern Web Standards: Includes updates for HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript engines as much as possible within older macOS limitations.
Up-to-Date Security (within limits): While not as secure as running current Chrome on macOS Ventura or later, Chromium Legacy includes backported security fixes when feasible.
Same Engine as Chrome: It’s based on Chromium, the open-source project behind Google Chrome.
Optimized for Older Hardware: Builds are compiled with performance and compatibility in mind for Intel Core 2 Duo or early i5/i7 Macs.
❗ Limitations
Unofficial: It’s not supported by Google or Chromium.org.
Outdated Compared to Current Chromium: Even with updates, it can’t keep pace with the full Chromium project’s latest innovations.
No Sync with Google Account: Sync features requiring Google API keys may be disabled or nonfunctional.
Security Gaps Over Time: As macOS itself gets older, even a patched browser becomes less safe for sensitive tasks.
🔍 1. Google Chrome
Support Status: ❌ No longer supported
Last Supported Version:Chrome 99 (March 2022)
Limitations:
No security updates.
No new web features or compatibility improvements.
Sync features may break over time.
Increasing numbers of websites may show errors or display incorrectly.
🔥 2. Mozilla Firefox
Support Status: ❌ No longer supported
Last Supported Version:Firefox 78 ESR (Extended Support Release, discontinued in October 2021)
Limitations:
No security patches or support.
Some modern websites and apps will no longer function properly.
Sync may stop working if Mozilla updates authentication or storage services.
🧭 3. Apple Safari
Support Status: ✅ Still works, but…
Last Supported Version on macOS 10.11:Safari 11.1.2
Limitations:
No longer updated by Apple.
Lacks modern JavaScript, CSS, and security features.
Poor compatibility with newer websites (especially media-heavy or interactive apps).
Increasing risk when entering personal or financial info online.
⚠️ General Risks and Limitations on macOS 10.11
No mainstream browser receives security patches, making online banking, shopping, and sensitive communication risky.
Web compatibility slowly degrades as sites adopt newer HTML, CSS, and JavaScript standards.
Browser extensions may stop working or become unsupported.
Certificates and HTTPS errors may start appearing due to outdated root certificates.
What is the highest version of Microsoft office supported under 10.11?
✅ Microsoft Office 2016
Last supported version: Office 2016 version 16.16.x
Includes: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote
Support status:
Fully compatible with macOS 10.11
Security updates from Microsoft ended in October 2020
Where to get it: Requires a valid license (retail, volume, or Office 365 subscription at the time); no longer available directly from Microsoft, but may be found through third-party resellers or archives
⚠️ Limitations with Office 2016 on macOS 10.11
No support for cloud-based features (some OneDrive, SharePoint, or Office 365 sync features may break)
Security risks (no recent patches)
Compatibility with newer Office files is generally fine, but some newer features from Office 2019/2021 won’t display correctly
Outlook may have limited account support for newer email services
What is the highest version of Adobe Creative Suite supported on macOS 10.11?
✅ Adobe Creative Cloud 2017 (partial) and Creative Suite 6 (CS6)
🔹 1. Adobe Creative Cloud 2017 (some apps)
Partially compatible with macOS 10.11
Apps like:
Photoshop CC 2017
Illustrator CC 2017
Premiere Pro CC 2017
After Effects CC 2017
Audition CC 2017
Support ended in 2020–2021, and Adobe no longer offers downloads for these versions unless you previously had them in your account
🔹 2. Adobe Creative Suite 6 (CS6)
Fully supported on macOS 10.11
Includes:
Photoshop CS6
Illustrator CS6
InDesign CS6
Premiere Pro CS6
Dreamweaver CS6
Flash Professional CS6
Released in 2012, CS6 was the last perpetual license version before the subscription-only Creative Cloud model
Still usable for many workflows, though lacking modern features and file format support
⚠️ Limitations on macOS 10.11
Creative Cloud Desktop App itself may not function properly or at all on 10.11
No support from Adobe for installation help or updates
Modern file compatibility issues: Newer file formats from 2020+ versions may not open or save correctly
Cloud sync and Adobe Fonts won’t work or may be unstable
Activation servers for CS6 sometimes fail; use offline installers if possible
What is the highest supported version of Avid can I run on macOS 10.11?
✅ Avid Media Composer 8.9.4
Officially supported on: macOS 10.11.6 (El Capitan)
Release date: March 2018
System requirements:
macOS 10.11.6
Intel-based Mac
At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended for HD media)
🔧 Key Features of Media Composer 8.9.4
Support for DNxHD, ProRes, and AMA linking
Multicam editing, color correction, and basic motion effects
Works with Avid Mojo DX and other legacy I/O hardware
Compatible with older plugins and workflows
⚠️ Limitations
No support for 4K/UHD workflows with modern codecs
No support for Apple Silicon Macs
Cannot access newer features introduced in Media Composer 2019+, like the revamped UI and GPU acceleration improvements
Activation issues may arise if using newer Avid License Manager or cloud-based license tools
What is the highest supported version of Final Cut can I run on macOS 10.11?
✅ Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3
Release date: February 2016
macOS compatibility: Fully compatible with macOS 10.10 Yosemite and 10.11 El Capitan
This was the last version to officially support El Capitan.
🧰 Key Features in Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3
Multicam editing
Enhanced 3D titles
Better color grading than earlier versions
Improved performance and GPU acceleration for supported Macs
Optimized for older Intel-based Macs
⚠️ Limitations
No support for modern codecs like ProRes RAW or Apple ProRes AV1
No Metal API optimizations, which arrived in later versions
Some plugins and third-party tools may not be compatible anymore
No support for newer media container types, e.g., HEVC (H.265), introduced in macOS High Sierra and later
What is the highest supported version of Logic can I run on macOS 10.11?
✅ Logic Pro X 10.2.4
Release date: September 2016
macOS compatibility: Fully compatible with macOS 10.9 through 10.11
This was the last version to support El Capitan.
🧰 Key Features in Logic Pro X 10.2.4
Alchemy synthesizer (added in 10.2)
Flex Pitch and Flex Time
Smart Tempo (limited)
Track Stacks and Drummer
Full 64-bit support with extensive plugin compatibility
MIDI FX and automation enhancements
⚠️ Limitations
No support for Live Loops, Quick Sampler, or Step Sequencer
Cannot use AUv3 plugins
Performance optimizations introduced in later macOS versions (like Metal support and better CPU/GPU scheduling) are missing
Many third-party plugin vendors have dropped El Capitan support, so updates and compatibility may be limited
What is the highest supported version of Pro Tools can I run on macOS 10.11?
✅ Pro Tools 12.8.3
Official macOS support: macOS 10.11.6 El Capitan
Release date: November 2017
Last version fully qualified by Avid for El Capitan
🧰 Key Features of Pro Tools 12.8.3
Support for Pro Tools | First, Standard, and HD editions
Cloud collaboration tools introduced in earlier 12.x releases
Up to 128 audio tracks (in standard version)
AAX plugin support
Track Freeze, Commit, and Bounce enhancements
Support for Avid Control app and EUCON surfaces
⚠️ Limitations
No support for Pro Tools 2018 or newer, which require macOS 10.12 Sierra+
Cloud collaboration is deprecated and/or unreliable in newer workflows
Subscription license activation via iLok Cloud may be unstable or unsupported on older OS versions
Some third-party plugins no longer support macOS 10.11, especially post-2020 versions
Performance optimizations (like Metal or APFS support) are absent on this macOS version
What is the highest supported version of Traktor can I run on macOS 10.11?
✅ Traktor Pro 2.11.0
Official macOS support: macOS 10.11 (El Capitan)
Release date: June 2017
This version is the last version to officially support macOS 10.11.
🧰 Key Features of Traktor Pro 2.11.0
Track Decks: Up to 4 decks for DJing with real-time control
Effects and FX Banks: Advanced effects with customizable assignments and control
Beatmatching and Sync: Automatic beat grid analysis and beat syncing
Full MIDI controller support: Full integration with various DJ controllers
Stems support: Ability to control and manipulate stem files
Improved audio engine for better sound quality and performance
⚠️ Limitations
No support for newer features like Traktor Pro 3’s Machine Learning EQs and Remix Decks.
No access to newer hardware: Support for newer Native Instruments controllers (like the Traktor Kontrol S3, S4 Mk3, and others) may be unavailable.
No support for 64-bit-only plugins or newer Traktor hardware integrations.
MIDI mapping and compatibility may be limited for modern controllers if they require Traktor Pro 3.x features.
Some audio plugins may not be compatible with older macOS systems due to updates in plugin formats and security requirements.
What is the highest supported version of Serato can I run on macOS 10.11?
✅ Serato DJ Pro 1.9.7
Official macOS support: macOS 10.11 (El Capitan)
Release date: August 2018
Last version fully compatible with El Capitan before requiring macOS 10.12 Sierra or later.
🧰 Key Features of Serato DJ Pro 1.9.7
4 Decks of DJing: Support for up to 4 decks in a professional setup.
Expanded hardware support: Works with supported Serato DJ controllers and hardware like Pioneer DJ, Rane, and others.
Improved effects and filter banks.
Support for Timecode vinyl/CDs with Scratch Live and Serato DJ compatible mixers.
Key Sync and Pitch ‘n Time DJ integration for professional beatmatching and key shifting.
⚠️ Limitations
No access to newer features like Serato Flip and expanded hardware support that require Serato DJ Pro 2.0 and beyond.
No support for newer Serato hardware, such as the Pioneer DDJ-1000 or Serato DJ Pro integrations with newer controllers.
Performance optimizations introduced in later macOS versions (like Metal API and faster CPU/GPU scheduling) are unavailable.
No support for Serato Studio (a separate production software) or additional effects packages from later versions.
What is a good source for software that runs on macOS 10.11?
Finding software that runs well on macOS 10.11 El Capitan can be tricky since many developers have dropped support for older macOS versions. However, there are still several good sources and approaches to find software that’s compatible with macOS 10.11:
1. Mac App Store
The Mac App Store remains a reliable source for finding software that supports macOS 10.11.
How to check compatibility: On the Mac App Store, you can filter apps by version compatibility. Scroll down on the app page to see the minimum system requirements.
Apps like Microsoft Office 2016, Final Cut Pro X 10.2, and Logic Pro X 10.2 (which support macOS 10.11) might still be available.
Many developers still offer legacy downloads on their official websites for older versions of their software.
Examples:
Adobe: Older versions of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat may still be available on their site.
Serato: Legacy versions of Serato DJ are available if you look through their archives.
Avid: Pro Tools 12.8.3 (the last supported version for macOS 10.11) is available from Avid’s site.
6. Macintosh Garden
Macintosh Garden is an archive site that hosts older software for vintage Macintosh systems, including versions compatible with macOS 10.11 El Capitan.
How it works: You can browse their catalog of software that includes classic apps, games, and utilities for older macOS versions.
A good source for legacy software, including older versions of Microsoft Office, MacPaint, QuarkXPress, and more.
7. Websites for Specific Applications
If you need software for specific tasks (e.g., video editing, music production, web development), certain specialized websites may offer older versions that are compatible with macOS 10.11.
Examples:
VLC Media Player: VLC often provides downloadable versions of the app that are compatible with older macOS versions.
Audacity: The open-source audio editing software can be downloaded in older versions that work on macOS 10.11.
What options do I have to run newer software.
Denver Mac Repair can patch select Macs to make them run a newer version of the operating system, this does have specific requirement and certain limitations so it is best to check with us to see if this option will meet your needs.
Denver Mac Repair also has many affordable priced used Macs of various vintages to support your requirements.
