Are you one of the many Mac users who upgraded to macOS Catalina, only to find that it’s not quite meeting your expectations? Perhaps you’re missing the familiarity of Mojave, or maybe you’re experiencing compatibility issues with your favorite apps. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone in wondering if it’s possible to revert back to Mojave from Catalina.
Understanding The Challenges Of Downgrading
Before we dive into the process of downgrading, it’s essential to understand the challenges involved. macOS Catalina is a significant update that introduces a range of new features and security enhancements. However, it also means that some older apps and software may not be compatible.
One of the main challenges of downgrading is that macOS Catalina uses a different file system than Mojave. Catalina uses the APFS (Apple File System) file system, which is designed to provide better security and performance. However, this means that if you try to install Mojave on a Mac that’s currently running Catalina, you may encounter compatibility issues.
Backup Your Data Before Downgrading
Before you start the downgrading process, it’s crucial to backup your data. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important files or documents during the process. You can use Time Machine to backup your data to an external hard drive or iCloud.
To backup your data using Time Machine, follow these steps:
- Connect an external hard drive to your Mac
- Go to System Preferences > Time Machine
- Select the external hard drive as the backup disk
- Click “Select Backup Disk”
- Time Machine will automatically start backing up your data
Method 1: Reinstalling Mojave From Recovery Mode
One way to revert back to Mojave from Catalina is to reinstall Mojave from Recovery Mode. This method will erase all the data on your Mac, so make sure you’ve backed up your data before proceeding.
To reinstall Mojave from Recovery Mode, follow these steps:
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Command + R keys
- Release the keys when you see the Apple logo
- Your Mac will boot into Recovery Mode
- Click on “Disk Utility” and select your startup disk
- Click on “Erase” to erase the disk
- Quit Disk Utility and click on “Reinstall macOS”
- Select Mojave as the operating system to install
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
Method 2: Using A Bootable Installer
Another way to revert back to Mojave from Catalina is to use a bootable installer. This method requires you to create a bootable installer on a USB drive or external hard drive.
To create a bootable installer, follow these steps:
- Download the Mojave installer from the App Store
- Connect a USB drive or external hard drive to your Mac
- Open the Disk Utility app and select the USB drive or external hard drive
- Click on “Erase” to erase the disk
- Open the Terminal app and type the following command: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/MyVolume
- Replace “MyVolume” with the name of your USB drive or external hard drive
- Press Enter to create the bootable installer
To install Mojave using the bootable installer, follow these steps:
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Option key
- Release the key when you see the boot menu
- Select the bootable installer as the startup disk
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
Method 3: Using A Virtual Machine
If you don’t want to erase your data or create a bootable installer, you can use a virtual machine to run Mojave on your Mac. This method requires you to install a virtual machine software such as VMware or Parallels.
To install Mojave on a virtual machine, follow these steps:
- Download and install the virtual machine software
- Create a new virtual machine and select Mojave as the operating system
- Allocate the necessary resources such as RAM and CPU
- Start the virtual machine and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
Conclusion
Reverting back to Mojave from Catalina is possible, but it requires some technical expertise and patience. Before you start the downgrading process, make sure you’ve backed up your data and understood the challenges involved. You can use one of the three methods outlined above to revert back to Mojave, depending on your needs and preferences.
Remember, downgrading to an older operating system may not be the best solution in the long run. macOS Catalina offers a range of new features and security enhancements that can improve your overall Mac experience. If you’re experiencing compatibility issues or other problems, you may want to consider seeking help from Apple support or a professional Mac technician.
Can I Revert Back To Mojave From Catalina?
Reverting back to Mojave from Catalina is possible, but it requires some effort and caution. You’ll need to erase your startup disk and reinstall macOS Mojave from scratch. This process will delete all data on your startup disk, so make sure to back up your important files and data before proceeding.
Before you start, ensure that you have a compatible Mac model and a backup of your important files. You’ll also need a bootable installer for macOS Mojave, which you can create using a USB drive and the macOS Mojave installer from the App Store. Additionally, be aware that reverting to Mojave may cause compatibility issues with certain apps and software that are optimized for Catalina.
What Are The Risks Of Downgrading From Catalina To Mojave?
Downgrading from Catalina to Mojave comes with some risks, including data loss and potential compatibility issues. When you erase your startup disk and reinstall Mojave, all data on the disk will be deleted. If you haven’t backed up your important files, you may lose them forever. Additionally, some apps and software may not be compatible with Mojave, which could cause issues with functionality and performance.
Another risk is that you may not be able to upgrade to a newer version of macOS in the future. Apple typically only supports the latest versions of macOS, so if you downgrade to Mojave, you may not be able to upgrade to a newer version when it’s released. This could leave your Mac vulnerable to security exploits and other issues.
How Do I Create A Bootable Installer For MacOS Mojave?
To create a bootable installer for macOS Mojave, you’ll need a USB drive with at least 16GB of free space and the macOS Mojave installer from the App Store. First, download the installer from the App Store and save it to your Applications folder. Next, insert the USB drive and open the Disk Utility app. Select the USB drive and click the “Erase” button to format it.
Once the USB drive is formatted, open the Terminal app and enter the following command: “sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/MyVolume” (replace “MyVolume” with the name of your USB drive). This will create a bootable installer on the USB drive. When the process is complete, you can use the USB drive to boot your Mac and install macOS Mojave.
What Should I Do Before Downgrading From Catalina To Mojave?
Before downgrading from Catalina to Mojave, make sure to back up your important files and data. You can use Time Machine to create a backup of your entire system, or you can manually back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage service. Additionally, ensure that you have a compatible Mac model and a bootable installer for macOS Mojave.
It’s also a good idea to deauthorize your Mac from any services that use authorization, such as iTunes and iCloud. This will prevent any issues with authorization when you reinstall Mojave. Finally, make sure you have the installation media for any apps or software that you need to reinstall after downgrading.
Can I Downgrade From Catalina To Mojave Without Erasing My Startup Disk?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to downgrade from Catalina to Mojave without erasing your startup disk. The installation process for Mojave requires a clean install, which means that all data on the startup disk will be deleted. If you try to install Mojave over Catalina, you may encounter issues with compatibility and functionality.
However, you can use a separate partition or external drive to install Mojave, which will allow you to keep your Catalina installation intact. This will require a separate bootable installer for Mojave, and you’ll need to ensure that your Mac is set to boot from the correct partition or drive.
Will Downgrading From Catalina To Mojave Affect My Apps And Software?
Downgrading from Catalina to Mojave may affect your apps and software, particularly if they are optimized for Catalina. Some apps may not be compatible with Mojave, which could cause issues with functionality and performance. Additionally, some apps may require reauthorization or reinstallation after downgrading.
It’s a good idea to check the compatibility of your apps and software before downgrading to Mojave. You can check the system requirements for each app to ensure that it is compatible with Mojave. Additionally, make sure you have the installation media for any apps or software that you need to reinstall after downgrading.
Can I Upgrade To A Newer Version Of MacOS After Downgrading To Mojave?
It’s possible to upgrade to a newer version of macOS after downgrading to Mojave, but it’s not guaranteed. Apple typically only supports the latest versions of macOS, so if you downgrade to Mojave, you may not be able to upgrade to a newer version when it’s released.
However, you can try to upgrade to a newer version of macOS by using the Software Update feature in the App Store. Keep in mind that you may encounter issues with compatibility and functionality, particularly if you have apps or software that are not compatible with the newer version of macOS. It’s a good idea to back up your important files and data before attempting to upgrade.