Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple’s new MacBook Pro features the incredibly powerful M4 family of chips and ushers in a new era with Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Downgrade operating system on new MacBook.

I just got a new MacBook Pro with Catalina installed. Now my 32-bit applications won't run and I want to install Mohavi to get access. I have a TimeMachine back up which Apple tech said to use to "Recover" the old system and reinstall it on the new computer. When I tried I got the message the backup couldn't be installed as it was created on another machine. Next Apple tech said I can't downgrade this computer to an earlier system. Am I out of options here with this new machine? Return and buy an older refurbished?

MacBook

Posted on Oct 12, 2020 9:34 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 13, 2020 7:40 AM

PHSN wrote:

I just got a new MacBook Pro with Catalina installed. Now my 32-bit applications won't run and I want to install Mohavi to get access. I have a TimeMachine back up which Apple tech said to use to "Recover" the old system and reinstall it on the new computer. When I tried I got the message the backup couldn't be installed as it was created on another machine. Next Apple tech said I can't downgrade this computer to an earlier system. Am I out of options here with this new machine? Return and buy an older refurbished?



You do not state what exact "new" Mac. ?


About the transition to 64-bit technology and how it affects 32-bit apps.

32-bit app compatibility with macOS



As stated you can not typically run a older OS if the Mac shipped with the latest macOS.

Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support



You do have 14 days for a full refund or exchange for a machine that suits you better (ie pre-Catalina)


Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)




Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 13, 2020 7:40 AM in response to PHSN

PHSN wrote:

I just got a new MacBook Pro with Catalina installed. Now my 32-bit applications won't run and I want to install Mohavi to get access. I have a TimeMachine back up which Apple tech said to use to "Recover" the old system and reinstall it on the new computer. When I tried I got the message the backup couldn't be installed as it was created on another machine. Next Apple tech said I can't downgrade this computer to an earlier system. Am I out of options here with this new machine? Return and buy an older refurbished?



You do not state what exact "new" Mac. ?


About the transition to 64-bit technology and how it affects 32-bit apps.

32-bit app compatibility with macOS



As stated you can not typically run a older OS if the Mac shipped with the latest macOS.

Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support



You do have 14 days for a full refund or exchange for a machine that suits you better (ie pre-Catalina)


Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)




Downgrade operating system on new MacBook.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.