How to Uninstall Mac OS 15.8.2 & use an older version that doesn't have so many bugs?

I have no problems with two different Mac's after updating them to Sequoia 15.8.2.

As mentioned, you can not easily go back.

Instead of attempting a return to a previous a version of Sequoia.

You should use EtreCheckPro to identify what the problem is with your current setup.

Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Then post back here with your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

Part 2 of 2 : Downgrading macOS and Understanding Time Machine Backups

Downgrading macOS 15.8.2 and Understanding Time Machine Backups

Before attempting to downgrade macOS, there's an important distinction about Time Machine that is frequently misunderstood.

Time Machine does not create a complete, bootable copy of your macOS installation. It backs up your user data, including your Home folder, documents, pictures, account settings, and other included files.

It cannot simply restore an earlier operating system version.

If you want to return to the macOS version you were running before 15.8.2, you'll need to install that version separately.

The general procedure is:

1. Identify your previous macOS version.
2. Download a compatible macOS installer.
3. Create a bootable USB installer if necessary.
4. Verify your Time Machine backup and separately preserve newer files.
5. Erase the internal startup volume if required.
6. Install the earlier macOS version.
7. Use Migration Assistant to transfer your user account, documents, and compatible applications from Time Machine.

Important: Migration Assistant restores your data, not your previous operating system. Your Mac will continue running the macOS version you installed.

Apple's instructions:

• Download macOS
• Create a bootable installer
• Restore from Time Machine

Erasing your internal drive removes its contents, so verify your backups before proceeding.

One important question: Which macOS version were you running before installing 15.8.2 (Sequoia 15.7.x, Sonoma 14.x, or another version)?

That information determines the appropriate downgrade procedure for your M1 Max MacBook Pro.

There’s no downgrade, and reverting is a project.

What sort of issues with Finder?

Any add-on VPNs, add-on cleaner apps, add-on security apps, add-on firewall apps, or similar, installed?

Part 1 of 2 : Troubleshooting Finder Problems in macOS 15.8.2

Troubleshooting Finder Problems in macOS 15.8.2

Finder freezing, spinning beachballs, and unresponsive windows can have several causes, including external drives, network volumes, third-party Finder extensions, corrupted preferences, or macOS problems.

Before considering a downgrade, I'd recommend three tests:

1. Disconnect external devices: Disconnect external drives, including Time Machine, and unmount network shares. Test Finder using only your internal drive.
2. Create another user account: Go to System Settings >> Users & Groups and create a temporary account. If Finder works normally there, the problem may be confined to your original account.
3. Check Activity Monitor: While Finder is frozen, look for unusually high CPU or memory usage by Finder, WindowServer, or other processes.

You can also press Option-Command-Esc, select Finder, and click Relaunch.

Apple: Force an app to quit

You mentioned deleting com.apple.finder.plist. Since Finder recreated it without resolving the problem, I'd avoid repeating that procedure.

FileZilla and remnants of your previously uninstalled VPN are also worth investigating, particularly network extensions or disconnected mounted servers.

Another possibility is reinstalling your current macOS through Recovery without erasing your Mac.

Apple: Reinstall macOS

I wouldn't assume this is a confirmed macOS 15.8.2 bug without further evidence.

A few questions:

1. Which macOS version were you running before 15.8.2?
2. What exactly happens with the Finder filenames displayed in the Dock?
3. Does Finder still freeze when opening Documents with all external drives disconnected?

I'd establish the cause before attempting a downgrade.

People complain of bugs in every operating system but as the overwhelming number of users do not experience these it points to the fact that there must be some peculiarity or fault in the Macs of those who appear to experience them.

Rather than throwing the baby out with the bath water, it is more useful to troubleshoot your Mac to discover what is causing your specific problems as in most cases it is unlikely to be the macOS.

I find Gemini AI can be very useful at troubleshooting though you can get a few false starts, so you need to be patient and interrogate it if you don't get the right answer first time.

etrecheckPro is the best troubleshooting app out there and was created by a highly respected member of these communities.

It is perfectly safe and does not harvest any personal data.

It may not be on the App Store but that is no guarantee of safety . . . there are many dodgy apps on there simply because Apple has accepted the creators' cash . . . if you are willing to pay exorbitant amounts you can get almost anything accepted.

etrecheckPro is the gold standard of diagnostic apps and is completely free, though you can pay to unlock some extra features which you won't require.

Many developers of perfectly good apps choose not to put their products on the App Store for various reasons.

The following 2 batches of text tell you what the App Store does and does not "guarantee" and also what a developer has to pay to get their product on it.

What it means to be on the App Store.

No, an app being available on the Apple App Store is not a full guarantee of its quality.

While Apple enforces some of the strictest curation and review standards in the tech industry, the approval process sets a baseline floor for compliance and security, not a gold-standard seal of excellence for every application.

What App Store Approval Does Guarantee

When an app is accepted onto the App Store, it means it has passed automated safety scans and basic manual review checks to verify that:

• Basic Functionality: The app opens and functions without immediate, repeatable crashes or severe structural bugs.
• Security & Malware Filtering: It does not contain known malicious code, unauthorized device access, or hidden exploit vectors.
• Privacy Compliance: It includes a privacy policy and asks permission before accessing sensitive hardware (camera, microphone, location, or contacts).
• Content & Legal Standards: It doesn't violate copyright, contain illegal material, or use unauthorized payment systems.

What App Store Approval Does NOT Guarantee

Apple’s review team checks millions of app submissions and updates annually. Because reviewers spend only a brief amount of time inspecting each build, approval does not guarantee:

• Long-Term Performance & Polish: An app might run smoothly during a quick 2-minute test but exhibit deep memory leaks, stuttering animations, or unexpected crashes during extended use.
• Absence of Bad Design or Utility: An app can have a clunky, confusing, or ugly user interface and still pass review as long as it isn't broken.
• Fair Pricing or Predatory Subscriptions: While Apple regulates billing flows, some approved apps use aggressive dark patterns, overpriced weekly subscriptions, or pushy paywalls immediately upon opening.
• Ongoing Developer Maintenance: An app that was high quality when approved three years ago may become abandonware, losing compatibility with newer iOS or macOS releases over time.

How to Evaluate App Quality Yourself

Rather than relying solely on the App Store badge, evaluate an app using these practical signals:

Evaluation SignalWhat to Look ForRatings & Written ReviewsLook past the overall average rating and read recent 2- and 3-star reviews for recurring complaints about bugs, battery drain, or hidden costs.Update HistoryCheck the "Version History" section on the App Store page. Regular updates indicate an active developer who maintains and optimizes their software.Developer ReputationTap the developer’s name to see their other published software or visit their external website to check for clear documentation and support channels.App Privacy DetailsReview the "App Privacy" section to see whether the app collects excessive data unrelated to its core function.

Payment to the App Store

To distribute an app on the Apple App Store, developers pay a combination of upfront membership fees and ongoing commissions.

1. The Membership Fee (Access Cost)

To publish apps on the App Store (or use TestFlight for public beta testing), developers must enroll in the Apple Developer Program.

• Annual Cost: $99 USD per year (charged in local currency).
• Per-App Limits: None. One $99/year account covers an unlimited number of apps and app updates.
• Individual vs. Organization: The fee is the same whether registering as an individual developer or an organization/company.
• Fee Waivers: Non-profit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities can apply to have the $99 annual fee waived entirely.

(Note: There is also an Apple Developer Enterprise Program for $299 USD/year, but this is strictly for large businesses distributing internal apps directly to employees—it is not for publishing on the public App Store).

2. App Store Commissions (Revenue Share)

In addition to the membership fee, Apple takes a cut of sales generated through digital purchases inside the app:

Revenue TypeApple’s Commission RatePaid Apps & In-App Purchases30% (Standard rate)Small Business Program15% (For developers making under $1M/year in revenue)Subscriptions (Year 1)30%Subscriptions (Year 2+)15% (After a subscriber maintains an active plan for 1 year)Physical Goods & Services0% (Apps like Uber, Airbnb, or Amazon selling physical goods or real-world services pay no commission to Apple)

Summary

• Free Apps (no in-app purchases): Exactly $99/year total.
• Monetized Apps (digital goods/subscriptions): $99/year + 15% to 30% of total digital sales.

I can't remember whether you have run etrecheckPro?

If not, do so and post the report here.

https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html