Installer Frustration

docfi wrote:

I'm trying to install MacOS Catalina on an SSD to use in an older Mac mini. The SSD is connected to my MacBook Air M1. The installer tells me that Catalina is too old install on the MBA. Is there a way to get past this?

Thank youl

As far as the computer, MBA M1 computer, it believes Catalina is too Old to run or even attempt to run Catalina . Even if one is attempting to Install to an External Drive.

The Apple Licence of Usage prevents downgrading to a version of maOS Older that the version the computer Originally came Installed.

Yes, we know one is not attempting to downgrade the actual computer but this computer can not be used to perform the action one is attempting.

Only computer that Qualify to run Catalina can be used to do this

There was a good suggestion in one of the earlier posting and that may be an option.

No. Apple's web site has link where the specifications are posted for what is the latest operating system that the various models of Macs will accept. The limitations are due to technical reasons related to the types of components which are installed in each computer. This is true whether you are installing the OS on an internal disk or an external disk.

Welcome and Thank you too.

Do come back to the ASC Forums, in the future, if / or when additional question may arise

if the old mac mini is compatible with catalina, why not just use the mini to load catalina on your external drive?