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User profile for user: Pagal
Pagal Author
User level: Level 1
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Which OS will install if I reset to Factory settings or restore from Time Machine Backup

Hi,


I have a Macbook Pro Mid 2012 model. If I reset my Macbook to factory settings and I choose the option to restore to the closest OS that was originally installed on my computer what OS will install. I know that Mountain Lion which I what was installed on my system when I purchased it, is probably no longer available, but what is the oldest OS that can be installed with a factory reset.


Alternatively, if I wipe my Mac, can I restore from a Time Machine backup running El Capitan (I have a backup from last month that is an El Capitan backup)? I am currently running Catalina.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 17, 2020 5:21 PM

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User profile for user: Barney-15E
Barney-15E
User level: Level 10
113,184 points

Posted on Nov 17, 2020 7:19 PM

1) Probably Mountain Lion. That is what installed on my 2012 Mini when I was playing around with Internet Recovery and reinstalling. That was only a month or two ago. I was kind of surprised about that one.

2) Whatever OS was backed up; in your case it would be El Capitan.

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Which OS will install if I reset to Factory settings or restore from Time Machine Backup

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