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Downgrading your macOS from High Sierra to Sierra can be useful in certain situations. It may be necessary if you encounter compatibility issues with certain software or if your system is not performing optimally on the newer version. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the steps to downgrade your Mac to macOS Sierra.
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Before proceeding with the downgrade, it is crucial to back up all your important data. Use an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or Time Machine to create a backup of your files, applications, and settings.
Step 2: Create a Bootable Installer
To downgrade to macOS Sierra, you will need a bootable installer. Follow these steps to create one:
1. Download the macOS Sierra installer from the Mac App Store.
2. Connect a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage.
3. Open "Terminal" from the Utilities folder in Launchpad.
4. Type the following command and hit Enter: `sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/Untitled –applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app`
(Replace "Untitled" with the name of your USB flash drive if necessary.)
Step 3: Erase Your Mac’s Hard Drive
To ensure a clean installation of macOS Sierra, you need to erase your Mac’s hard drive. Follow these steps:
1. Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R immediately after hearing the startup sound. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.
2. In the macOS Utilities window, select "Disk Utility" and click Continue.
3. Choose your Mac’s hard drive from the list on the left.
4. Click on the "Erase" button at the top of the window.
5. In the format dropdown, select "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)".
6. Give your hard drive a name and click "Erase."
7. Once the erasure is complete, close Disk Utility.
Step 4: Install macOS Sierra
Now that you have a bootable installer and have erased your hard drive, you can proceed with the installation of macOS Sierra:
1. With your computer still in Recovery Mode, select "Install macOS" from the macOS Utilities window.
2. Click Continue, then agree to the terms and conditions.
3. Select the hard drive you just erased as the destination for the installation.
4. Wait for the installation process to complete. It may take some time.
5. Once the installation is finished, your Mac will restart.
Step 5: Restore Your Data
After downgrading to macOS Sierra, you can restore your data from the backup you created in Step 1. Use Time Machine or manually transfer your files back to your Mac.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
1. Allows you to resolve compatibility issues with certain software. | 1. Downgrading erases all data on your Mac, so you need to create a backup before proceeding. |
2. Can help improve system performance on older Macs that struggle with High Sierra. | 2. You will lose access to the latest features and security updates introduced in High Sierra. |
3. Provides a familiar environment if you prefer the older version of macOS. | 3. Downgrading may not always be possible or straightforward depending on your Mac model. |
Downgrading to macOS Sierra from High Sierra is a fairly involved process, but it can be helpful in certain situations. Follow the steps carefully and make sure to back up your data properly. Once you have downgraded, take the time to reinstall your apps and restore your files.
Video Tutorial:How do I downgrade from macOS High Sierra to Sierra?
Can I uninstall macOS High Sierra?
Yes, you can uninstall macOS High Sierra from your Mac if you no longer want to use it. Here are the steps you can follow to uninstall macOS High Sierra:
1. Backup your important data: Before you proceed with uninstalling macOS High Sierra, it is crucial to create a backup of your important files and applications. This will ensure that you don’t lose any data during the process.
2. Create a bootable installer: To uninstall macOS High Sierra, you’ll need to create a bootable installer for the previous version of macOS or OS X that you want to revert to. You can use a USB drive to create this bootable installer by following the instructions provided by Apple.
3. Restart your Mac: Once you have created the bootable installer, restart your Mac and hold down the Option key as it boots up. This will allow you to access the Startup Manager.
4. Choose the bootable installer: In the Startup Manager, you’ll see a list of available startup disks. Select the bootable installer you just created and press Enter to boot from it.
5. Format the hard drive: After you boot from the installer, you’ll reach the macOS Utilities window. From there, select Disk Utility and choose your Mac’s main hard drive. Click on the Erase tab and format the drive to remove macOS High Sierra. This will erase all data on the drive, so make sure you have a backup.
6. Reinstall the previous macOS version: Once the hard drive is formatted, exit Disk Utility and proceed with reinstalling the previous version of macOS or OS X using the bootable installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
7. Restore your data: After the previous macOS version is installed, you can restore your backed-up data from the backup you created earlier. This will help you retrieve your files, applications, and settings.
It’s important to note that uninstalling macOS High Sierra will remove all your data, so make sure to backup and transfer any important files before proceeding with the uninstallation process.
How do I downgrade 10.13 6?
To downgrade from macOS 10.13.6, also known as High Sierra, you’ll need to follow a few steps. Here is a professional point of view without mentioning that I am an technical blogger:
1. Make sure to take a full backup: Before downgrading, it is essential to back up all your important files and data. You can do this using Time Machine or by manually copying your files to an external storage device. This ensures that you don’t lose any valuable data during the downgrade process.
2. Create a bootable installer: To downgrade to an older version of macOS, you’ll need a bootable installer for the desired version. Visit the Apple support website or search online for instructions on how to create a bootable installer for the specific macOS version you want to install. You’ll need a USB drive with sufficient capacity for this process.
3. Restart your Mac: Once you have the bootable installer ready, restart your Mac and hold down the Option/Alt key until you see the Startup Manager. Select the bootable installer drive from the available options.
4. Erase your current macOS installation: In order to downgrade, you’ll need to erase your current macOS installation. From the macOS Utilities window, choose Disk Utility and select your Macintosh HD or SSD. Click on the Erase tab and format the drive with the macOS Extended (Journaled) scheme.
5. Install the desired macOS version: Once the drive is formatted, exit Disk Utility and proceed with the installation process. Choose the option to install macOS and follow the on-screen instructions. Select the desired downgrade version, such as macOS 10.13 or an earlier version, and install it on your Mac.
6. Restore your files and data: After the installation is complete, you can restore your files and data from the backup you created in Step 1. You can use Time Machine or manually copy the files back to your Mac.
Remember that downgrading macOS can be a complex process, and it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with your hardware and software. It’s advisable to check Apple’s official support documentation or seek assistance from an authorized Apple service provider if you encounter any issues or need further clarification on the process.
Note: Downgrading macOS will result in the loss of any files or settings made after the backup was created. Be sure to plan and execute the process carefully.
Can you downgrade macOS without erasing?
Yes, it is possible to downgrade macOS without erasing your data, but it is a more complex process compared to upgrading. Here is a step-by-step guide to downgrading macOS without erasing your data:
1. Backup your data: Before proceeding with any major system changes, it is crucial to create a backup of your data. This ensures that even if something goes wrong during the downgrade process, you won’t lose your important files.
2. Check compatibility: Verify that the version of macOS you want to downgrade to is compatible with your hardware. Some older versions may not work well with the latest Mac models. Consult Apple’s official website or related documentation for compatibility details.
3. Download the older macOS version: Obtain the installation file for the specific version of macOS you want to downgrade to. Depending on the specific version, you may find the installer in the App Store or on the Apple Developer website.
4. Create a bootable installer: Use the downloaded macOS installation file to create a bootable USB installer. This will allow you to install the older macOS version on your Mac. To create a bootable installer, you can use dedicated software like DiskMaker X or Terminal commands provided by Apple.
5. Restart your Mac: Restart your Mac and hold down the Option key immediately after the startup chime. This will bring up the Startup Manager, which displays all available startup disk options.
6. Select the bootable installer: From the Startup Manager, choose the bootable installer you created in step 4. It may appear as "Install macOS [version name]" or something similar. Select it and click the arrow to proceed.
7. Install the older macOS version: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the older macOS version on your Mac. Ensure that you select the appropriate destination disk for installation, and do not erase any existing data during the installation process.
8. Complete the installation: Once the installation process is complete, your Mac will restart into the downgraded macOS version. Follow any additional setup steps or prompts that may appear to finish the installation.
It is worth noting that downgrading macOS may have its limitations and potential risks. Some apps or features may not work correctly or be compatible with the older version, and security updates specific to the newer macOS version will be missing. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the reasons for downgrading and ensure that it aligns with your specific needs and requirements.
Can I downgrade to macOS Sierra?
As a tech blogger, I understand that there could be various reasons why someone might want to downgrade to an older macOS version like Sierra. However, it’s important to note that Apple generally does not recommend or support downgrading to older operating system versions.
Here are a few reasons why downgrading to macOS Sierra might not be ideal:
1. Compatibility: macOS Sierra was released in 2016, and since then, there have been significant updates and improvements to the macOS ecosystem, including new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Downgrading to an older version might result in compatibility issues with newer software, peripherals, and services.
2. Security: Apple regularly releases security updates to protect users from new threats and vulnerabilities. By downgrading to an older macOS version, you could potentially expose your system to known security risks for which patches and updates have been developed in subsequent macOS versions.
3. Limited Support: Apple’s support for older macOS versions gradually diminishes over time. With each new macOS release, Apple shifts its focus to the latest software versions, providing updates, bug fixes, and technical support for the most current operating system. If you encounter any issues or require assistance, obtaining support for older macOS versions might be challenging.
4. App Compatibility: Developers optimize their software and applications for newer macOS versions, ensuring compatibility, performance improvements, and security patches. By downgrading to an older version, you may encounter compatibility issues with unsupported apps or features that rely on newer macOS frameworks.
However, if you have a specific need to run macOS Sierra for compatibility reasons, it might be possible to install it on older Mac models that were originally shipped with Sierra. You would need to follow specific instructions and create a bootable installer for macOS Sierra.
Before attempting a downgrade, ensure you have a complete backup of your data, as the process may require erasing your current macOS installation in order to install an older version. It’s also worth noting that Apple’s software license agreements may prohibit the installation of older macOS versions on some Mac models.
It’s recommended to consult official Apple support articles, relevant forums, or reach out to Apple support directly for detailed instructions and to assess the feasibility and potential risks associated with downgrading to macOS Sierra.
Is it possible to downgrade macOS version?
Yes, it is possible to downgrade the macOS version on a Mac computer. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Verify Compatibility: Check if the older macOS version you want to downgrade to is compatible with your Mac model. Some older versions may not support newer hardware configurations. You can check Apple’s website or other reliable sources to ensure compatibility.
2. Backup Data: Before proceeding with a downgrade, it is critical to back up your important files, documents, and data. This ensures that you don’t lose any important information during the process. You can use Time Machine or other backup methods to create a complete backup of your Mac.
3. Download the Install File: Locate and download the desired older version of macOS from official sources or reliable third-party websites. Make sure to acquire the appropriate version that matches your Mac model.
4. Create a Bootable Installer: Follow the instructions provided by Apple to create a bootable installer for the older macOS version. This will allow you to reinstall the older macOS version from scratch.
5. Start the Installation Process: Restart your Mac and hold down the Option key (⌥) immediately. This will prompt you to choose a startup disk. Select the bootable installer you created and proceed with the installation.
6. Format the Drive: During the installation process, you’ll reach a point where you need to select the destination drive for the older macOS installation. It’s crucial to format the existing drive by erasing all data to ensure a clean installation.
7. Install the Older macOS: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the older macOS version on your Mac. This usually involves selecting the destination drive, agreeing to terms and conditions, and waiting for the installation to complete.
8. Restore Data: Once the older macOS version is installed, you can restore your data from the backup you created earlier. This involves using the Time Machine backup or any other method you utilized for backing up your files.
By following these steps, you can successfully downgrade the macOS version on your Mac computer. However, it’s important to note that downgrading may have limitations, and potential compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities should be considered before making the decision to downgrade.