Can I restore Catalina after Big Sur update using Time Machine?

VNGR wrote:

I have a full system backup with Catalina using time machine, but I am wondering if it is possible for me to downgrade from Big Sur to Catalina using this backup? By wiping the drive and reinstalling from my TM backup that is.

I am not positive that all my audio plugins and software work with Big Sur, but if I can confirm that I have a failsafe that lets me get everything back the way it was at the time of my last backup then I can safely check compatibility myself.

Read P. Phillips' response emphasizing the importance of having more than one verified backup.

If you wipe the drive and install (from Recovery) a new Catalina operating system and update it to at least the same version you had when you did your backup(s), you can then restore from one of those backups through the Migration Assistant.

Do I have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase things go sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site

Revert to Previous Working macOS. - omitted link in original posting - my bad.

Use Go64 to check the compatibility of your apps before you upgrade to Big Sur.

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/