Downgrading from MacOS Sonoma to Ventura

Over the weekend, my 2020 MacBook Air updated to macOS Sonoma without my prompting. I think it’s because I had the automatic updates option toggled but I digress. I am currently overseas and I am in need of Ventura to run a specific software that is currently not compatible with Sonoma.

I have tried everything as per Apple and google to downgrade. i tried to reinstall from internet recovery using both Shift-command-option-R and option-command-R.

when trying to reinstall using the shift-command-option-R it was giving me the option to download OS Catalina, but that was unsuccessful as I was getting an error message.

i then tried to create a bootable installer and install in recovery mode. All was good until i tried to select my Macintosh HD drive and was getting two separate errors. 1. “The volume cannot be downgraded.” And 2. “The operation couldn't be completed. (com.apple.BuildInfo.preflight.error error 21.)”

i have been in contact with Apple on and off for the past 2 days with no success.

reminder: I am overseas, and cannot just go to an Apple Store.

please help.

Posted on Oct 3, 2023 9:10 PM

Top-ranking reply

Owl-53

Level 10

102,577 points

Posted on Oct 4, 2023 2:21 AM

Scorched Earth Method

This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No DATA 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 Ventura would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Ventura.

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.

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Downgrading from MacOS Sonoma to Ventura

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