New Mac user here; I purchased a Mac mini M1 recently .
Is it possible to install drivers or software intended for an older macos version on a newer macos version? Will that work and if it does, what are the risks?
Thank you!
Mac mini 2018 or later
it might work, it might not it would not damage the device
when a new macOS version is released drivers may stop working and the hardware manufacturers have the option of releasing newer drivers which do work on the macOS version or stop supporting that model.
with m1 we are looking at a change of cpu hardware from intels x86 platform to arm cpu architecture and rely on a "translation layer" called rosetta stone 2 this could make hardware near software such as device drivers not work, but if it was me then I would give it a try
it might work, it might not it would not damage the device
when a new macOS version is released drivers may stop working and the hardware manufacturers have the option of releasing newer drivers which do work on the macOS version or stop supporting that model.
with m1 we are looking at a change of cpu hardware from intels x86 platform to arm cpu architecture and rely on a "translation layer" called rosetta stone 2 this could make hardware near software such as device drivers not work, but if it was me then I would give it a try
Ok guys, thanks for your replies. I will give it a try.
I have an older HP Deskjet 3050 which is still working fine. However, this printer had been discontinued by HP for quite some time so I don't expect an updated driver / software from HP for this printer. Would be a shame though to trough away a working printer.
Thanks.
Well, tried the old driver but that didn't work (32 bit thing).
But I found an application in the App Store which does work. The app did install a driver and allows me to scan documents.
So problem solved!
Thank you.
It may work, but the new Mac Mini M1 uses 64 bit drivers and software, not 32 bit. Try it but be aware of this limitation.
HP may still have a driver to support it. I have an old LaserJet 1022 that is still supported. It seems to me that HP supports printers for much longer than other manufacturers.
Don't keep it a secret.
What app did you find that works?
Oh, no secret. It's HP Smart app. During installation it also installs the printer driver. The app runs slower than the software for Windows but it does the job. That's the most important thing.
Can I install onder drivers / software on newer Macos?
