I upgraded the os on my Mac, only to find I now can't use my Vectorworks 2024 on the new Tahoe version. I need to downgrade my os so I can continue to use Vectorworks.
I seem to be going round in circles reading how to do this. anyone got a guide that will work?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: downgrade OS
MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.1
ALL, user byline MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26 that can run macOS Tahoe are Apple Silicon Computers
From another similar request to Downgrade to older version of macOS
Strongly suggest reading the entire posting and especially the posting by my respected contributor @ D.I. Johnson
And Yes, I do appear in that posting with additional Warning regarding Downgrading
Proceed with an abundance of Caution
Refer >>. How to revert to an older version of macOS - Apple Community
To downgrade:
Decide between macOS 15 or macOS 14 (both support Vectorworks 2024)
Make a bootable installer
Boot into Recovery → erase disk
Install older macOS
Restore data and reinstall Vectorworks
I believe that Vectorworks 2026 is compatible with Tahoe. Not sure what the cost of that upgrade might be, however.
The Apple Support Community Forums are sometimes visited by AI / LMM / ChatBots.
“ Though, “ Material submitted must be your own work or work to which you have a license.
By posting a Submission, you warrant and represent that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to the information contained in your Submission”
AI / LLM are basically a Super Version of Predictive Text which is based upon a Data Set.
When that Data Set is based upon older data points, the outcome of the response will be equally out dated and / or unreliable
AI is also the newest form for Data Mining by Large Corporations.
Suggest being very careful about this.
Some suggestions can be incorrect, misinformed , incomplete, impossible to do, out right wrong
These types of posting by a suspected AI / LMM Chatbots often fail to provide complete instruction and or fail to provide adequate Cautions when considering a Downgrade
Which in turn could put the computer is Peril
User Risk Assessment: macOS Downgrade Procedure
Before initiating any downgrade from macOS 26 (Tahoe) to an earlier version such as macOS Sequoia, assess the user’s tolerance for potential risks. The following checklist must be completed before proceeding.
Primary System Dependency
Determine whether the affected Mac is the user’s primary or only computer.
If the user cannot function without this system for several days in the event of a failed downgrade, the risk level is high.
The downgrade should be postponed or avoided until proper contingency measures are established.
Availability of a Secondary macOS System
Confirm that the user has access to another Apple computer currently running macOS 15 or macOS 26 (Tahoe).
This secondary system must be capable of performing a Revive or Restore operation on the target Mac’s firmware if required.
Lack of a secondary Mac significantly reduces the ability to recover from firmware corruption or boot failures.
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 Sequoia resulted in Secure Enclave malfunctions, requiring full system restoration or hardware servicing.
Backup Integrity and Recovery Preparedness
Verify that the user has at least three complete backups created before the macOS 26 (Tahoe) upgrade.
Implement the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy:
3 total copies of essential data
2 different backup methods or storage media
1 copy stored offsite (for protection against natural or human-caused disasters)
Each backup should reside on a dedicated, single-purpose external drive.
For enhanced backup and cloning capabilities beyond Time Machine, refer to:
Recommendation Summary
If the user answers NO to any of the above questions:
Downgrading the Mac is not recommended.
Proceeding without proper contingency plans, verified backups, and recovery tools may result in:
Data loss
Firmware corruption
Secure Enclave failure
Complete system inoperability
______________________________
Suggest getting a better AL / LLM Chabot or doing the homework on your own instead of being dependent on an AL / LMM to generate responses
From the VectorWork Communities
Vectorworks 2024 System Requirements
Operating Systems
macOS 15 (Sequoia)
macOS 14 (Sonoma)
macOS 13 (Ventura)
macOS 12 (Monterey)
How to downgrade macOS for Vectorworks 2024 compatibility?
