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Is it possible to downgrade from 26.3 to a previous public, non-beta version?

ClaraStahlbaum

ClaraStahlbaum

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Is it possible to downgrade from 26.3 to a previous public, non-beta version? I usually don't have any issues with Beta updates but for some reason this one is extra buggy, the cursor sometimes ends up as this weird blurry box shape when I play some games and get into some apps, and that is extremely annoying.
 
The process outlined can be done without a second Mac. You can download the "full installer" of the version of macOS that you want and go through the steps to create a bootable USB installer (using a flash drive). Then boot from that, wipe your drive, and install that version of macOS. Then, restore from your Time Machine backup.

This does rely on having a Time Machine backup that was taken while you were on the version of the OS that you are trying to roll back to. If you don't have that, you'll be stuck doing a manual recovery which could be time consuming. Probably better to just wait it out, until Apple releases an updated beta build that fixes these issues. (Hopefully this happens on Monday, but no one knows what Apple will actually do.)

Personal recommendation — Trying beta software is fine, but don't assume that everything will be smooth with it. If you don't have a rollback plan, or aren't prepared to deal with that, just stick to the official releases. And even then, hold off on upgrading to a new "major" release for a few months.
 
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PotentPeas said:
The process outlined can be done without a second Mac. You can download the "full installer" of the version of macOS that you want and go through the steps to create a bootable USB installer (using a flash drive). Then boot from that, wipe your drive, and install that version of macOS. Then, restore from your Time Machine backup.
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True, but this method doesn't restore or downgrade the firmware. If this is a graphical bug that happens to be caused by firmware, rolling back this way may not resolve it. It's also possible that the new firmware version won't play nice with an older version of macOS. Restoring using an IPSW via Apple Configurator restores the firmware along with the OS.
 
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"Well, I don't have a second Mac.."

Then... you are, where you are.

There are consequences to tinkering with beta and developer releases, one has to be prepared to deal with them.

I, too, like to experiment with beta and developer releases.
BUT
I have a second, external SSD that I use to install and "do my experimentin'" on.

If you can't live with where you are now, AND, if you have a brick n mortar Apple Store within reasonable distance, you might consider:
- MAKING A BACKUP FIRST (shouting is intentional, you MUST do this)
- taking the Mac to the genius bar and have them restore it using DFU mode (to a non-beta, regular OS release)
- then bringing it home and restoring your personal data from the backup.

Again, restoring using DFU will wipe our your personal data, so you must back up...
I recommend a cloned backup created with either SuperDuper or CarbonCopyCloner.
You can "mount these right in the finder" and copy things over manually if you must.
 
BigBlur said:
True, but this method doesn't restore or downgrade the firmware. If this is a graphical bug that happens to be caused by firmware, rolling back this way may not resolve it. It's also possible that the new firmware version won't play nice with an older version of macOS. Restoring using an IPSW via Apple Configurator restores the firmware along with the OS.
Click to expand...
Yes, true. Apple supports dual-booting multiple versions of macOS, so it "should" be safe to run newer firmware with an older version of macOS. I'd personally find it weird if the cursor issue is related to firmware, but it's not impossible and if that is the case, what I suggested won't "fix" the problem.

Agreeing with @Fishrrman. Don't install Apple's beta OS software on your "daily driver" system (unless you are prepared for things like this to happen). Since you're stuck, again I suspect Apple will be rather motivated to get a new build out by Monday afternoon so you have the option to just ride it out, but there's no telling for sure.
 
JanetTheGreat said:
Is it possible to downgrade from 26.3 to a previous public, non-beta version? I usually don't have any issues with Beta updates but for some reason this one is extra buggy, the cursor sometimes ends up as this weird blurry box shape when I play some games and get into some apps, and that is extremely annoying.
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Beta 3 is pretty bad especially for Intel, but I would just wait for next beta next week. RC is right around the corner for .3 I really doubt Apple will release a horrible .3 RC.

Not worth downgrading, unless you want to go back to Sequoia (which is what I am thinking of doing lol)
 
SDAVE said:
Beta 3 is pretty bad especially for Intel, but I would just wait for next beta next week. RC is right around the corner for .3 I really doubt Apple will release a horrible .3 RC.

Not worth downgrading, unless you want to go back to Sequoia (which is what I am thinking of doing lol)
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Seems like I am just stuck with it then. Its not too bad, but since I switched to the beta, that weird typing glitch where it would de-select what I am typing on constantly seems to be gone.
 
There's no way to know if we'll get beta 4 next week or RC - of if we even will get anything. It looks like until 26.2 we got new release every week but now it is at least 2 weeks between releases. If there would be beta 4 then there's no way to know how many more betas will there be before 26.3 RTM.

It can as well be that 26.3 RTM will not come out before April or we will have RC next week with all same bugs we have in beta 3 (or all bugs will be there if there will be multiple more betas). For now any scenario seems possible...
 
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