Downgrade MacOS to version lower than initially installed version?

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Level 1

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Downgrade MacOS to version lower than initially installed version?

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but in all my searches, I can't find something that answers this specifically.

Imagine this situation: you get a new M3 machine, and it has come from the factory/vendor/whoever with Sonoma installed. But you have a lot of software that won't run on Sonoma.

Even though it came with Sonoma installed, is it possible to downgrade it to Ventura or Monterey? Remember, this is Apple Silicon.

Posted on Dec 19, 2023 12:30 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ronasara

Level 6

15,531 points

Dec 19, 2023 2:33 PM in response to dougmon

No Mac can be downgraded to an operating system that is older than th one it was originally installed with. I am going to assume that the software will not run because it is an older 32 bit version and Sonoma requires that it have 64 bit software. So, you will need to download and install newer compatible versions. Unfortunately, some of them may require an update purchase.

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

136,379 points

Dec 19, 2023 12:35 PM in response to dougmon

Not possible.

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

136,379 points

Dec 19, 2023 3:40 PM in response to dougmon

dougmon wrote:

Thanks for the more detailed answer.

Next time I'll add more detail. It's still "Not possible". 😎

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Answer 4

dougmon Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 19, 2023 2:46 PM in response to Ronasara

No, it's all 64-bit. There are some audio plugins (instruments and effects) I use that are not yet compatible with Sonoma. I don't know why. Possibly the companies that make them are just being careful before saying they are definitely compatible.

Thanks for the more detailed answer.

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Downgrade MacOS to version lower than initially installed version?

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