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Where to download older OS version from App Store?

How does one download an OS from the App Store for the purpose of creating an installer drive? I recently got a 2018 Mac Mini that came installed with Monterrey, and I have lost too much functionality with this OS so I need to revert to something older ASAP. I downloaded Mojave from the App store, but when the download completed it gives me an error "This copy of the “Install macOS” application is too old to be opened on this version of macOS." I cannot locate where the App Store downloaded the OS to on my hard disk.


Thanks for any guidance.

Mac mini, macOS 12.1

Posted on Dec 25, 2021 2:05 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 25, 2021 6:31 PM

You can not go backwards by just downloading and installing an older macOS version.


You must first completely wipe the Mac using macOS Recovery Mode,

as per > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496


Then reinstall the macOS version that it came with using the "Other macOS installations options" instructions

at > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904


Other macOS installations options

When you install macOS from Recovery, you get the current version of the most recently installed macOS, with some exceptions:

  • On an Intel-based Mac, if you use Shift-Option-Command-R during startup, you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. If you use Option-Command-R during startup, in most cases you're offered the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. Otherwise you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 25, 2021 6:31 PM in response to VincentBrick

You can not go backwards by just downloading and installing an older macOS version.


You must first completely wipe the Mac using macOS Recovery Mode,

as per > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496


Then reinstall the macOS version that it came with using the "Other macOS installations options" instructions

at > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904


Other macOS installations options

When you install macOS from Recovery, you get the current version of the most recently installed macOS, with some exceptions:

  • On an Intel-based Mac, if you use Shift-Option-Command-R during startup, you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. If you use Option-Command-R during startup, in most cases you're offered the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. Otherwise you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.


Dec 25, 2021 7:07 PM in response to DonH49

Hi Vincent what are you trying to do it’s a downgrade , to get to a previous macOS isn’t just like that , to do all that procedure you will lose everything that you got in that Mac I can guide you step by step to get that my questions for you , are you aware that you can’t just install an old macOS version from a link where you can download the macOS you want without wipe out the hdd of that Mac ? If you make a backup with a new macOS then you want to restore it from old macOS won’t work you know that ? If yes then reply to this message soon and I will guide you how to do the downgrade

Where to download older OS version from App Store?

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