Downgrading macOS for payroll software compatibility

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Downgrading macOS for payroll software compatibility

My payroll software is not compatible with OS 26. Can I use Mac Recovery to reinstall my old OS, and then I can reinstall OS 26 later when the payroll software will work?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Just update to OS26, and realized that my payroll software is not compatible. Can I go back to my old OS?

Mac Studio (2022)

Posted on Sep 24, 2025 1:26 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 24, 2025 1:39 PM in response to dr.joe.dds

You would need to erase your internal drive, only then will it install an older version of macOS (the one that was on your Mac when you took it out of the box). You could then set up from a backup of the current Mac.

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Lesson learned (the hard way), always check that critical software is compatible with a new OS before you upgrade!

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