How to downgrade from macOS Monterey

This guide explains how to safely downgrade from macOS Monterey to Big Sur. Major macOS updates, especially betas, can introduce problems like incompatibility, speed issues, or missing features. This article provides a step-by-step process using a few apps and a USB drive.

Downgrading macOS Monterey: A 5-Step Process

Step 1: Back Up Your Files

Before downgrading, create a backup of essential files. The article recommends Get Backup Pro as a time-saving alternative to Time Machine, allowing you to selectively back up important files and folders.

1. Open Get Backup Pro and create a new backup project.
2. Name the backup and select an external drive.
3. Add files and folders, then start the backup.

The article also suggests using CleanMyMac X to clean up your Mac before backing up to minimize unnecessary files.

Step 2: Create a Bootable Big Sur Installer

You'll need a bootable Big Sur installer on a USB drive (at least 16GB). If you don't already have one, follow these instructions:

1. Connect the USB drive.
2. Open Terminal and use the command: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume (replace /Volumes/MyVolume with your drive's path).
3. Follow the prompts, entering your admin password.
4. Eject the drive once the process is complete. (If you need to format the drive first, use Disk Utility to erase it, choosing APFS or macOS Extended.)

Step 3: Delete macOS Monterey

1. Restart your Mac, holding Command R to enter Recovery mode.
2. Open Disk Utility, select your main drive, and click "Erase."
3. Choose APFS or macOS Extended and confirm.

Step 4: Reinstall macOS Big Sur

1. Restart your Mac, holding down the Option key.
2. Select the Big Sur installer from the startup disk options.
3. Click "Continue" to reinstall. (If booting from the external drive fails, check Startup Security Utility in Recovery mode (Command R) to enable booting from external media.)

Step 5: Restore Your Backup

Once Big Sur is reinstalled, restore your backup using either Time Machine (via Recovery mode) or Get Backup Pro.

Replacing Monterey Features in Big Sur

The article suggests Setapp apps as alternatives for some Monterey features:

• Live Text: Use TextSniper to extract text from images and videos.
• Quick Note: Use NotePlan and SideNotes for note-taking and quick notes.
• Focus mode: Use Session, Be Focused, One Switch, Serenity, or Focus to manage notifications and distractions.

A 7-day free trial of Setapp is offered to try these apps.

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