Downgrading from High Sierra to an Earlier macOS Version

If you're experiencing issues with the latest version of macOS, High Sierra, and don't have a Time Machine backup, downgrading can be a complicated process. However, if you do have a backup, it's possible to restore an earlier version of macOS and get back up and running smoothly.

To downgrade from High Sierra, you'll need to create a bootable installer on a USB flash drive with at least 12GB of memory. Once you've created the installer, restart your Mac while holding down the Command+R keys. This will take you to the macOS Utilities screen, where you can select 'Restore from Time Machine Backup.'

On the 'Restore from Time Machine' screen, click 'Continue' and then select 'Restore from Time Machine Backup.' If the backup is stored on an external or network drive, make sure this drive is available to your Mac. Keep in mind that reinstalling an earlier backup will undo all the changes you made since creating this backup, so be sure to store all of your important documents and data safely before proceeding.

If you create regular Time Machine backups (and you should!), then restoring a backup from before installing the latest update may allow you to reverse the update. To do this, choose your startup disk, select 'Install,' and then click 'Continue.' Once you see the macOS Utilities screen, select 'Reinstall macOS' and then click 'Continue.'

To finish the process, restart your Mac while holding down the Shift+Option+Command+R keys. This will take you back to the earlier version of macOS that you selected.

Remember to always create regular Time Machine backups to ensure that you can easily restore an earlier version of macOS if needed. For more information on how to properly factory reset a Mac and reinstall macOS, check out our guide.

High sierra mac version