I have a mid-2013 MBA, which I would like to use MacOS 10.12 on (to run old software); it currently has MacOS 11.6. What are my options for doing this? I have an installer for 10.12, and have made a partition on an external drive (roughly) the same size as the internal drive, but can't seem to make it bootable, much less w/ version 10.6.
MacBook Air
I understand you want to install macOS 10.12 Sierra on a mid-2013 MBA. The good news is that it will run on that Mac. The "bootable installer" (presumably a USB flash drive) would be the best option, but I understand it's not working for some reason. You would be better off making that option work.
Lacking a bootable installer, boot macOS Recovery and choose "Install macOS"
Intro to macOS Recovery - Apple Support
You may need to choose macOS Internet Recovery, otherwise Recovery will offer the latest compatible macOS version, which that Mac is already using.
To force Internet Recovery:
When asked where you would like to install it, choose the external device. Then, upgrade it to the macOS version you need: How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support.
... can't seem to make it bootable, much less w/ version 10.6.
That Mac will not boot OS 10.6 "Snow Leopard". The last Macs that could were 2011 models, so yours is too new.
I understand you want to install macOS 10.12 Sierra on a mid-2013 MBA. The good news is that it will run on that Mac. The "bootable installer" (presumably a USB flash drive) would be the best option, but I understand it's not working for some reason. You would be better off making that option work.
Lacking a bootable installer, boot macOS Recovery and choose "Install macOS"
Intro to macOS Recovery - Apple Support
You may need to choose macOS Internet Recovery, otherwise Recovery will offer the latest compatible macOS version, which that Mac is already using.
To force Internet Recovery:
When asked where you would like to install it, choose the external device. Then, upgrade it to the macOS version you need: How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support.
... can't seem to make it bootable, much less w/ version 10.6.
That Mac will not boot OS 10.6 "Snow Leopard". The last Macs that could were 2011 models, so yours is too new.
Running old MacBook Air w/ old MacOS
