FAQ: Rolling Back to an Older macOS

Support Article

Details

Mac users may desire to use a macOS older than the operating system currently on the Mac system. OWC recommends using the latest macOS that is available for Mac systems. macOS updates include the latest security and features to keep the Mac stable and operating as expected. Mac users who want to roll back the macOS version can create a bootable installer.
- NOTE: Older versions of macOS will not install on the Mac system’s boot drive when accessing the operating system.
- NOTE: OWC recommends backing up your data before upgrading the macOS operating system

Instructions

Creating and Using a macOS Bootable Installer

Check macOS compatibility. If you Mac isn’t compatible, the App Store will make the “Get” button unavailable. A note may appear stating the macOS is not compatible with the device or may say the requested version of macOS is not available.
Access the Apple App Store for the desired compatible macOS:
Click the “Get” button and download the installer. Move the download to the Applications folder.
Follow Apple’s guide Create a Bootable macOS Installer Support Manual to create and use a bootable installer for the downloaded macOS.
Follow Apple’s guides to recover desired user data after completing the steps for creating and using a bootable installer.
- macOS Recovery (Intel) Support Manual
- macOS Recovery (Apple Silicon) Support Manual

Additional Resources

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