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how can I go back to the OS version before Big Sur?

How can I go back a version if it don't have a recovery?


Posted on Dec 30, 2020 2:24 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 31, 2020 3:18 AM

Reboot holding down the four keys Shift - Option (⌥) - Command (⌘) - R

You should see this:



Select Reinstall macOS (it might refer to OSX instead) then follow the instructions to carry out the installation.


Once complete, you should have installed the original operation system for that Mac. Log on. Open Safari. Visit:


https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314


and install 10.15 Catalina offered to you.


The report back here!

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 31, 2020 3:18 AM in response to ToriBand

Reboot holding down the four keys Shift - Option (⌥) - Command (⌘) - R

You should see this:



Select Reinstall macOS (it might refer to OSX instead) then follow the instructions to carry out the installation.


Once complete, you should have installed the original operation system for that Mac. Log on. Open Safari. Visit:


https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314


and install 10.15 Catalina offered to you.


The report back here!

Dec 30, 2020 2:54 PM in response to nansdream7

If you don't mind losing all your data, you can:


  • Reboot holding down the four keys Shift - Option (⌥) - Command (⌘) - R
  • Use the Disk Utility to erase the internal drive.
  • Install macOS from the menu provided.
  • .. and if the version is too old, then upgrade to the version you want.


It's more challenging to retain your files because you can't install one version of macOS over a newer one.

Dec 30, 2020 2:51 PM in response to nansdream7

If you do not have a Time Machine backup of the previous operating system, you are faced with wiping your startup drive, and performing a clean installation of the previous operating system, without any means of restoring previous user data and system settings. If you don't have that crucial TM backup, I suggest you learn to live with Big Sur.

how can I go back to the OS version before Big Sur?

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