Hello, I’m trying to install OSX Lion back onto my MacBook Air mid 2011 but it keeps trying to install Sierra during recovery. What do I do?
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Mid-2011 MBA but no OSX Lion
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What system is offered when you try Internet Recovery? (restart, holding Shift-Option-Command-R)
That should provide you with the system that came with your MBAir (or the closest version still available)
If that is not Lion, but something newer, you can also download the disk image of the full installer for Lion from the Apple support page - https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2077
Create a bootable USB installer from that Lion app. (Keep a copy of that downloaded app, so you won't need to download it again if you make a mistake during the setup of the bootable installer - it happens!)
Use that USB to install Lion on your MBAir.
That should provide you with the system that came with your MBAir (or the closest version still available)
If that is not Lion, but something newer, you can also download the disk image of the full installer for Lion from the Apple support page - https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2077
Create a bootable USB installer from that Lion app. (Keep a copy of that downloaded app, so you won't need to download it again if you make a mistake during the setup of the bootable installer - it happens!)
Use that USB to install Lion on your MBAir.
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On an Intel-based Mac, if you use Shift-Option-Command-R during startup, you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. If you use Option-Command-R during startup, in most cases you're offered the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. Otherwise you're offered the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
I’m offered High Sierra. I am now using shift option command R, which takes me into internet recovery. I’ll keep you posted once I get in.
It worked. Thank you
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