How to make bootable USB drive of High Sierra

[MitzEclipse]

Hi all
Need to fully reformat and do a clean install of a 2011 MacBook Air with High Sierra (last MacOS compatible).

I tried to download High Sierra from the Mac App Store but says my current OS is not compatible - I am using Big Sur on a MacBook Air M1.

Basically trying to follow the instructions here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8534575
but I need the installer first. Tried to download this https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1946?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US but it is not the installer. Where can I download the High Sierra installer?

Thanks in advance

 

[Apple_Robert]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

In my opinion, you need to boot into internet recovery, and reinstall OS Lion ( I believe that came with your system) and then install High Sierra from the App Store.

You can't install High Sierra with Big Sur installed.

 

[DeltaMac]

This Apple support page will help you...

 

[CoastalOR]

I think you need to use the 2011 MBA to download the HS installer because it automatically launches after download and the M1 MBA may have a problem with it trying to launch so Apple does not allow it.

 

[MitzEclipse]

ah, ok - so best thing to do is start up the 2011 MBA in recovery mode then install MacOS Lion (OS that it came with). Will give this a go and come back if there are any issues. Cheers

 

[DeltaMac]

That would be Internet Recovery, not just "recovery" mode.
That boot may offer something newer than Lion, hopefully -- maybe even High Sierra, if that was what you were last using.