Downgrading [or UPgrading] from Ventura back to Monterey

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Level 1

64 points

Downgrading [or UPgrading] from Ventura back to Monterey

I recently made the move from Monterey to Ventura. I typically do not install a new OS release, until I have a chance to review reactions from other users. But since it took me 10-1/2 months to finally get Monterey to run, I figured Ventura might actually improve the situation. So I made the jump. I assumed I could use my TM backup to go back if it didn't work out, but I now see that going back to Monterey from Ventura might be a VERY cumbersome process.

Unfortunately, I've had MAJOR issues with Ventura. So I'm hoping that someone can suggest the simplest way to go back to Monterey. (It's my understanding that this can NOT be done from a TM backup.)

Any good suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

PS: For those who might be wondering, the issues I had with Monterey turned out to have been caused by Migration Assistant. This was apparently due to Apple's restructuring of the system hierarchy. I'm not sure in which OS this actually changed, but it would have been nice to know before wasting almost a year of productivity.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Jan 9, 2023 8:18 AM

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Answer 1

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Owl-53

Level 10

103,303 points

Jan 9, 2023 8:27 AM in response to svdrifter

Depending on factors including " Down Time " the user can afford and if this is an Intel or Apple Silicon machine

Below is just 1 of several ways and choose the method the User is most comfortable using .

This assumes there are other equally possible solutions to downgrade back to Monterey offered.

This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No Recovery - Period.

>> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computer <<

To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer.

The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer

This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer. Example : Bootable Installer of Monterey would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Monterey.

Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can not be used.

Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.

Extra Special Notation regarding the Touch ID equipped Apple Computer.

About Startup Security Utility and Must Enable from Recovery Mode the ability to boot from External Drive Before Attempting

1 - Shutdown computer and disconnect all external drive Except the newly created Bootable Installer.

2- Restart and immediately hold the OPTION key until the Startup Manager appears and choose the USB Drive.

3 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives.

4 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).

5 - The drive normally is called Apple Media or Apple SSD - that is the drive to Erase and format as APFS with the GUID Partition Map.

6 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS.

7 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time.

8 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version of macOS.

9 - One can use Time Machine to bring back the User Account there after using Setup Assist on the First Boot Up

EDITED

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

103,303 points

Jan 9, 2023 1:03 PM in response to svdrifter

This link and do read carefully.

the method for Apple Silicon is more complicated

https://www.howtoisolve.com/downgrade-macos-ventura-to-macos-monterey/

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Answer 3

svdrifter Author

Level 1

64 points

Jan 9, 2023 9:55 AM in response to Owl-53

I'm just now reviewing your reply, but wanted to thank you for the input! (I had a feeling you might be the one to reach out.)

FIRST: You indicate >> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computer <<

Since I have an M1 Pro, originally that shipped with Monterey, is there a BETTER solution for me?

My current computer is a 2021 MacBook Pro 16" with M1 Pro, which shipped with Monterey. As indicated above, the issues I had with Monterey were apparently caused by Migration Assistant, and apparently due to a previous restructuring of the system hierarchy. Despite many hours on the phone with Apple Support, nobody could provide a clue. It finally occurred to me that the issue was with Migration Assistant, since the same scenario occurred with previous purchases of two other MacBooks: the first MBP 16" Intel; then the first 13.3" M1 MacBook Air. The previous computers would have been under different OS versions, but the issues were still similar in all three instances, nonetheless. With the earlier two instances, I was able to return the computers for refund, since nobody seemed to have a solution. It was just a wild guess that made me come up with an answer, based on the similarities, fixing it by formatting and reinstalling from scratch. Had I not made the leap to Ventura, I might actually have had time to load my apps and data by now.

One thing that I noticed is that I now have TWO Application folders (three, counting the User's Application folder). One is the original "/Applications" and now a new "/System/Applications" folder.

The NEW "/System/Applications" folder contains only the 55 Core Apple Apps & Utilities, while the OLD "/Applications" contains 179 Apps & Utilities. At a glance, it would appear that all 179 Apps in the NEW folder are exact duplicates of those in the OLD folder. Why in the world would this be the case?

At this point, "Down Time" is almost moot, as it took 10-1/2 months just to get Monterey to work on my $3,500 MBP 16" M1 Pro! In the interim, I had to find alternate solutions for all of my Web projects and even walked away from a $20K project that I could not complete. At this point, I just want to get this MacBook back on Monterey, and then dump it on the used market and return to my 2015 Intel MBP 15, which runs flawlessly under High Sierra! What was I thinking?

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