How to Download and Install Older Versions of macOS [6 Proven Steps]

I recently updated my Mac and immediately regretted it. The apps I rely on daily started crashing, and my workflow came to a halt. I knew I needed to find a way back to the stability. After some digging, I figured out how to download and install an older version of macOS. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps, so you can get your Mac back on track.

How to Download and Install Older Versions of macOS

Below, I have shared detailed steps to download and install older versions of macOS:

Part 1: Before Downloading and Installing Older Versions of macOS

Before you download and install older versions of macOS, certain preparatory steps are essential to ensure a smooth and successful installation process. This part of the guide will outline these measures and considerations to take before proceeding with the installation.

Let’s explore the necessary preparations to ensure a hassle-free installation experience.

1. Check Your Mac’s Compatibility

The first step before downloading and installing an older version of macOS is to check your Mac’s compatibility. Not all Mac models are compatible with every version of macOS, especially when it comes to older versions.

Apple often sets minimum system requirements for each macOS release, and it’s essential to ensure your Mac meets those requirements to avoid compatibility issues.

I have compiled a detailed macOS compatibility checker you can use to check which macOS version your Mac can run.

Alternatively, you can check your Mac’s compatibility by visiting Apple’s official website or referring to the documentation provided by Apple for the specific version of macOS you intend to install. There, you will find a list of supported Mac models and the minimum system requirements.

2. Backup Your Data

Before you make any significant changes to your system, like installing a different macOS version, ensure you have a backup of your data. Time Machine is a great tool for backing up your data on Mac.

Here’s how to create a backup of your data using Time Machine:

1. Connect an external hard drive or SSD to your Mac.

2. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and select System Settings.

3. Click General and select Time Machine.

4. Tap the Add Backup Disk button and choose the external hard drive you connected.

5. Once selected, Time Machine will automatically start backing up your data.

There are other methods to back up your data on Mac. You can check those out in my guide on how to back up your data on macOS.

3. Create a Recovery Disk

It’s also a good idea to create a recovery disk before you start. Creating a recovery disk on your Mac is a useful precautionary measure that allows you to troubleshoot and recover your system in case of unexpected issues or emergencies.

To create a recovery disk on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Insert a USB flash drive or an external hard drive into your Mac with sufficient storage capacity to hold the recovery disk.

2. Go to the Applications folder, then open the Utilities folder, and launch Disk Utility.

3. In Disk Utility, you will see a list of drives and volumes. Locate the external storage device you connected earlier and select it.
4. Click the Erase button at the top of the Disk Utility window.

5. From the dropdown menu next to Format, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS, depending on your macOS version.

6. Give the disk a name, such as Recovery Disk.
7. Click the Erase button to begin formatting the external storage device.

8. After completing the erasing process, close Disk Utility and open a web browser. Search for macOS Recovery Disk Assistant on the Apple Support website and download the tool.
9. Open the macOS Recovery Disk Assistant tool and follow the on-screen instructions. It will guide you through the process of creating a recovery disk on the external storage device.
10. The tool will copy the necessary files and create a bootable recovery disk on the external storage device. The time may vary depending on the speed of your Mac and the size of the disk.
11. Once the process is finished, you will have successfully created a recovery disk for your Mac.
12. To use it, restart your Mac while holding the Option ⌥ key and select the recovery disk as the startup disk. This will allow you to access the recovery environment and perform troubleshooting, reinstallation, or data recovery tasks as needed.

Part 2: Finding Older Versions of macOS

After confirming your Mac’s compatibility with a specific macOS version, the next step is to acquire the installer for that particular version. Apple generally promotes and provides support for the latest macOS release, making older versions less accessible through official channels.

However, there are alternative methods to obtain these older versions, ensuring you have the necessary resources for installation. This section will explore various avenues and resources to help you find the specific macOS version you require.

1. Official Sources for Finding Older macOS Versions

You can find the recent macOS installers on Apple’s App Store and support website. These are the most secure places to download macOS versions.

However, it is essential to locate and download the appropriate installer for your desired version. To save you time, here are the direct download links to the most recent macOS versions:

1. Download macOS 13: Ventura (June 6, 2022)

2. Download macOS 12: Monterey (June 7, 2021)

3. Download macOS 11: Big Sur (November 12, 2020)

4. Download macOS 10.15: Catalina (October 7, 2019)

5. Download macOS 10.14: Mojave (September 24, 2018)

6. Download macOS 10.13: High Sierra (September 25, 2017)

7. Download macOS 10.12: Sierra (September 20, 2016)
8. Download OS X 10.11: El Capitan (September 30, 2015)
9. Download OS X 10.10: Yosemite (October 16, 2014)

If you want to get a macOS version older than these, you’ll have to seek alternative sources. For instance, you may come across individuals selling outdated installation discs on platforms like eBay.

2. Unofficial Sources for Finding Older macOS Versions

If you can’t find the version you need on Apple’s platforms, you can look for it on unofficial yet trustworthy sources. However, exercise caution and be aware of potential risks such as malware or counterfeit software.

Here are some unofficial sources you may consider:

1. 🌐 Torrent websites: There are torrent websites where you can find older macOS versions. However, downloading from these sources carries inherent risks, so make sure to verify the authenticity of the files and use reputable torrent websites.
2. 💬 Online forums and communities: Online forums and communities dedicated to macOS enthusiasts sometimes share older versions of the operating system. However, exercise caution and only download from trusted sources within these communities.
3. 💻 Third-party software repositories: Some websites and repositories specialize in archiving and providing access to older software versions, including macOS. Examples include Macintosh Garden and Macintosh Repository. Again, verify the reliability and integrity of the files before downloading.
4. 👥 Local Mac user groups: Local Mac user groups or communities may have members who have older macOS versions archived. You can reach out to them and inquire if they are willing to share or provide guidance on where to find older versions.

Part 3: Download Older Versions of macOS

Once you have determined the compatibility of your Mac and identified the specific version you want to install, it’s time to obtain the installer. In the following section, I’ll walk you through the necessary steps to download older versions of macOS.

Here’s how to download older macOS versions using official sources, aka, Apple’s App Store or official website:

1. Open the App Store on your Mac.

2. Click the search bar and type the name of the macOS version you want to download, and press Enter.

3. You’ll get different results. Click the Download/Get button next to the macOS version.

4. This will start downloading the installer file on your Mac.

You won’t find all macOS versions on official sources, but you can find them on unofficial websites and pages. The steps to download older macOS versions from unofficial sources depend on the platform.

Part 4: Install Older Versions of macOS

After downloading the macOS installer file, you have to install the OS to your Mac. Follow these steps to install the older macOS version:

1. Ensure your Mac is plugged into a power source.
2. Close all open applications.
3. Find the downloaded macOS installer. It is usually in your Downloads folder.
4. Double-click the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your Mac.

Part 5: Post-Installation Considerations

After successfully installing an older version of macOS, you’ll need to set up your Mac just like a new device.

You can choose to migrate your data during this process. This step also involves other essential tasks such as updating software, restoring data, configuring system settings, and addressing potential security concerns.

Why Download an Older Version of macOS?

There are several reasons why you may want to download and install older versions of macOS:

1. 🕷️ Avoidance of New Bugs or Issues: New versions of operating systems, while generally providing improvements and new features, can also introduce new bugs or problems. Some users may choose to stick with or revert to an older version that they know works well for their needs.
2. 💻 Software Compatibility: Older software applications or drivers may not work correctly or at all with the latest macOS version. Downgrading to an older macOS version can resolve these compatibility issues.
3. ⚙️ Hardware Compatibility: Some older Mac models may not perform optimally with the latest macOS version due to hardware limitations. In such cases, running an older macOS version could lead to better performance.
4. 👩‍💻 Personal Preference: Some users might prefer the features, functionality, or user interface of an older macOS version. For instance, they might find certain tools or layouts more intuitive or easier to use in an older version.
5. 🧑🏽‍💻 Testing and Development: Developers often need to test their software applications on different versions of operating systems to ensure compatibility. So, they may need to install an older version of macOS for testing purposes.

Successfully Downgrade Your macOS Version

Downloading and installing an older macOS version can be useful for compatibility or preference reasons. However, it’s essential to consider the risks and take the necessary precautions when downgrading macOS.

Here are some further tips for you:

• If you’re downgrading macOS due to startup problems, frequent crashes, or unresponsive applications, consider booting your Mac into Recovery Mode to diagnose and troubleshoot these problems.
• Learn how to reinstall macOS in case you want to return to using the latest version.
• Keep your system secure against malware after downgrading macOS by running a virus scan on your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions