How to revert to an older version of macOS

i want to remove tahoe and go back to an old version of macos


MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 3:02 PM

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Posted on Dec 5, 2025 3:36 PM

No, you really don't.

It's probably easier and wiser to simply work through any problems you are experiencing than trying to downgrade your macOS.


Downgrading your macOS to an earlier version is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires that you completely erase the data from your drive, reformat that drive, download and reinstall the older OS and finally recover your files from a backup made prior to your installation of the macOS Tahoe


Even then, the Mac’s firmware may have been updated, adding a potential for conflicts and a possible need for DFU mode and a Configurator revive/restore, which requires using another Mac connected to yours. 



If all that sounds complicated and risky, then you understand the reality.

Before you attempt this, cross your fingers, kiss the St. Christopher and hope all goes well on your journey.


1) Back up your Mac with Time Machine (or other backup solution) to an external disk drive.


2) Download the previous OS and create a bootable USB installer for it on a USB flash drive. You can get old versions of macOS hereTest and make sure it is fit for use after you create it.  If it boots your Mac and launches the macOS installer, then it’s good. Quit the installer then continue to the next step.  Optionally, a previous version may be available on an Intel-based Mac if you use Shift-Option-Command-R startup key combination during startup. You may be offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available


3) Boot your computer in macOS recovery mode and launch Disk Utility. Erase and format the drive in preparation of reinstalling the previous OS. This step will erase all of your stored data.


4) Reinstall macOS on your computer using your prepared USB bootable installer that you  created.


6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 5, 2025 3:36 PM in response to bena327

No, you really don't.

It's probably easier and wiser to simply work through any problems you are experiencing than trying to downgrade your macOS.


Downgrading your macOS to an earlier version is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires that you completely erase the data from your drive, reformat that drive, download and reinstall the older OS and finally recover your files from a backup made prior to your installation of the macOS Tahoe


Even then, the Mac’s firmware may have been updated, adding a potential for conflicts and a possible need for DFU mode and a Configurator revive/restore, which requires using another Mac connected to yours. 



If all that sounds complicated and risky, then you understand the reality.

Before you attempt this, cross your fingers, kiss the St. Christopher and hope all goes well on your journey.


1) Back up your Mac with Time Machine (or other backup solution) to an external disk drive.


2) Download the previous OS and create a bootable USB installer for it on a USB flash drive. You can get old versions of macOS hereTest and make sure it is fit for use after you create it.  If it boots your Mac and launches the macOS installer, then it’s good. Quit the installer then continue to the next step.  Optionally, a previous version may be available on an Intel-based Mac if you use Shift-Option-Command-R startup key combination during startup. You may be offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available


3) Boot your computer in macOS recovery mode and launch Disk Utility. Erase and format the drive in preparation of reinstalling the previous OS. This step will erase all of your stored data.


4) Reinstall macOS on your computer using your prepared USB bootable installer that you  created.


Dec 6, 2025 12:09 AM in response to bena327

As for as the apple shop i went to is is not possible to down grade from Tahoe to Ventura

I tried myself to revert but could not down load a version of Ventura, I contacted apple support and they tried to help but then said it was best i went to an apple store to see them.

I went to the store and they hummed quite a bit and then said the best way was to replace the whole main board, and hope it comes with the old version of the os, but it might come with tahoe. they said there was no way with an M2 chipset to reinstall older versions as you could not boot from a different device. I also asked if I could have a copy of ventura but they said they did not have them.

Dec 6, 2025 1:14 AM in response to bena327

bena327 wrote:

As for as the apple shop i went to is is not possible to down grade from Tahoe to Ventura
I tried myself to revert but could not down load a version of Ventura, I contacted apple support and they tried to help but then said it was best i went to an apple store to see them.
I went to the store and they hummed quite a bit and then said the best way was to replace the whole main board, and hope it comes with the old version of the os, but it might come with tahoe. they said there was no way with an M2 chipset to reinstall older versions as you could not boot from a different device. I also asked if I could have a copy of ventura but they said they did not have them.

Disagree with this statement " As for as the apple shop i went to is is not possible to down grade from Tahoe to Ventura "


What they maybe doing.


Is trying to Avoid the possibility of " the Mac’s firmware may have been updated, adding a potential for conflicts and a possible need for DFU mode and a Configurator revive/restore, which requires using another Mac connected to yours " as my colleague @ D. I. Johnson rightly mentioned


Firmware Compatibility and Secure Enclave Risks


Be aware that upgrading to macOS 26 (Tahoe) likely includes a firmware update affecting the logic board and Secure Enclave Processor (SEP).


Downgrading to an earlier version (e.g., Sequoia) may introduce firmware mismatch issues, leading to instability or loss of functionality.


There have been at least three documented cases where downgrading from Tahoe to an older version of macOS resulted in Secure Enclave malfunctions, requiring full system restoration or hardware servicing.


If you really follow all the instructions from @ D. I. Johnson


You will see there is a way to downgrade and they have provided the Detailed Instructions


Steps 2, 3 and 4 to be exact for their above posting


The last point being although downgrading is possible


Downgrading is not supported by Apple and by most of use


There are too many Risk Factors involved


Proceed at your Own Risk

Dec 6, 2025 1:08 PM in response to bena327

bena327 wrote:

I tried myself to revert but could not down load a version of Ventura

Funny, I found Ventura in the App Store. Search on “macOS Ventura” and it pops right up.


https://apps.apple.com/us/story/id1784326336


And of course to downgrade you have to completely erase your current installation and start from scratch. If you don't have any backups of your data you’ll lose it all, permanently.


How to revert to an older version of macOS

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