How to Downgrade an Apple OS

You can't downgrade to a previous Apple OS without its installation disk.

Apple is invariably excited about its newest operating system and encourages all of its users to upgrade. However, not all of those users will think the newest OS is better than the version they previously used. Fortunately, it is easy to restore your previous version of Mac OS to your Apple machine. All you need is the installation disk for the version of Mac OS you want to install.

Things You'll Need

• Installation disk for the version of Mac OS to which you are downgrading.

Instructions

1. Insert the installation disk for the earlier version of Mac OS into your disk drive.

2. Restart the computer, then press and hold down the "C" key immediately after your computer begins to boot up.

3. Continue holding the "C" key until you see a screen asking you to select your language.

4. Select your language, then proceed to follow the installer's instructions for installing the older version of OS X over the newer version of OS X.

Tips & Warnings

• When you install the older version of OS X over the newer version, it will delete all the files on the hard drive. Make sure you back up all the files you want to transfer to your new installation before you begin this process.

• Apple does not support its operating systems indefinitely. When a product reaches its end of life, Apple will stop producing security updates. If you downgrade your computer to a version of Mac OS that the company no longer supports, then your machine will be vulnerable to contemporary malware threats. You can check on the status of a specific Mac OS by consulting Apple's support site.

References

• Apple Support: OS X Mountain Lion - Reinstall OS X
• Apple Support: Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard - How to Erase and Install

Resources

• Apple Support