Downgrade macOS or Mac OS X with Time Machine. Create USB Boot Drive and Revert Back to Old macOS or Mac OS X. Bonus Tip: Restore Lost Data after Downgrading macOS/Mac OS X (without backups) About the Author. Reviews and Awards. Updated by Gemma on Mar 09, 2021. If you cannot get your lost Mac file, you can choose Deep Scan to have a second try. Step 4 Open one folder to see all recoverable Mac data. Double-click any file to get a new preview window. Then mark before files you want to recover. Step 5 Click Recover to recover lost files after reinstalling OS X on Mac. The time of Mac data recovery.
Which Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans.
Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it’s time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. While everything below is just my opinion, as a long-time Mac user and veteran software engineer, I hope my opinion worth something.
The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2021 it is macOS Big Sur. However, for users that need to run 32-bit apps on Mac, the best macOS is Mojave. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra for which Apple still releases security patches.
How to Tell Which macOS You Are Running
To find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar
- In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac
- The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS.
What Version of OS Can My Mac Run?
Not all Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS version. For instance, old Macs powered by PowerPC CPUs cannot run OS intended for Intel-based computers. Also, some versions have hardware limitations.
For instance, Mojave cannot be installed on MacBook Pro earlier than Mid 2012 model.
Check below to know exactly what version of OS your Mac can run.
Which OS is Best for my Mac
Anytime someone asks me which OS is best for them I always suggested going with the latest. Things have changed recently, however.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur?
While personally I like macOS Big Sur and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, it comes with serious breaking changes.
The first issue is compatibility.
Big Sur is a transition OS which is designed to help Apple to move from Intel processors to their own chips on ARM.
After I installed Big Sur on my MacBook Pro mid 2020 (pre-Silicon), most of my apps, including Microsoft Office, were working as expected.
However, my VMWare Fusion 11 does not start anymore, so I have to purchase a new license if I want to keep using it (or roll back to Catalina). Luckily, I took a full backup before the upgrade.
The second breaking issue is the lack of 32-bit app support.
macOS Catalina and Big Sur can only run 64-bit apps.
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur, first verify that you don’t have any 32-bit apps. But first, take a back up, so you can go back in case something breaks after the upgrade.
For instance, I had to remove uTorrent after upgrade. And I didn’t know that uTorrent is 32-bit!
How to Know If App is 32-bit or 64-bit
To find out whether the app on your Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit follow these steps:
Mac Os Download
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the Mac screen
- Click on About This Mac option
- Click on System Report button in Overview tab (first one)
- Scroll down to Software -> Applications
- Find the app and check Kind
Which macOS Should I Use
If you have an older Mac which is not eligible to upgrade with some latest software or hardware, I’d suggest upgrading at least to Sierra (or better High Sierra) for the following reasons:
- Sierra is still supported by Apple, and it gets security updates
- APFS file system is available
- It supports Siri
- Significant security improvements
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability to get security updates. While Apple generally does not announce the OS end of life dates, it is possible to know when they stop releasing security updates from this page.
For instance, according to the page, the last security update for OS X Yosemite was released on September 12, 2017. The last update for OS X El Capitan was in July 2018, and Carnegie Mellon University confirmed that El Capitan’s end of life date was August 2018.
Snow Leopard Myth
I know that some users on forums believe that the best OS version for Macs was Snow Leopard. But that is a myth. And I know how such myths get created.
Once I worked in the company, which was selling a 20-year old product. And customers were still using and didn’t want to switch to new versions, because the old one was rock solid.
I then talked to the engineer who worked on the project, and he revealed that the product was a total disaster when it was first deployed. Engineers had to work on-site for almost a year in order to fix all bugs.
After five or so years of polishing the product, it becomes virtually bug-free, and nobody now remembers how bad it was when it was first rolled out. A similar thing happened Snow Leopard, and it was recognized as best mac os version after some time.
How to Update to the Latest Version
There are two ways to update to the latest OS version on Mac:
- From the Software Update section in System Preferences
- Use a download link
Using Software Update
This is by far the best option, but it only available if you have Yosemite, or later OS installed already. If you enabled automatic updates, then Mac will inform you that the next macOS is available.
Just open System Preferences, go to Software Update and click on the Upgrade Now button.
This method is also best if wondering how to check if you have the latest version of OS installed on your Mac. Only the version compatible with your hardware will appear here.
For instance, my the latest version for Mac Mini 2012 is Mojave, I can’t install anything newer than that.
If you are having problems with updates or having issues post-upgrade check my post about troubleshooting macOS.
Using download links
For older systems or in case you need to downgrade, you have to download a standalone installer in DMG format. DMG stands for disk image, similar to ISO, just different formats.
After downloading the installer, just double click on it and follow instructions. Again, do not forget to take a backup before the upgrade.
Mac OS Comparisons: Requirements, Features, Compatibility, Download Links
Following is a high-level description of all Mac operating systems as early as Mountain Lion.
You can refer to those descriptions when deciding which operating system is best for your iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook.
With each OS description, I included a list of Macs supported. However, you can use Mac OS compatibility checker for more detailed information.
macOS 11 Big Sur
macOS v11 (codename Big Sur) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 13, 2020
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement 4GB. Big Sur is the first OS to support new Macs using ARM technology (in the future).
Features
- The biggest design refresh since macOS X.
- Support for new ARM processors.
- Safar improved performance and power consumption.
- Time Machine supports backup to APFS volumes.
- One-click translation for 7 languages.
- Redesigned maps
Software Compatibility Issues
Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Big Sur.
How to install
There are two ways to install Big Sur: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
Or check my post with tips on installing macOS on unsupported devices.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Big Sur
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2013 and later)
- Mac mini (2014 and later)
- iMac models (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
macOS 10.15 Catalina
Release date: October 7, 2019
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement increased from 2GB to 4GB.
Features
- Introduced Sidecar, which allows for Macs to use an iPad as an external display.
- iTunes was replaced by separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV.
- Find My Mac and Find My Friends have merged into one app.
Software Compatibility Issues
macOS Catalina is the first Mac operating system that does not support 32-bit applications. Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Catalina.
How to install
There are two ways to install Catalina: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Catalina
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac models (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
macOS 10.14 Mojave
Release date: September 24, 2018
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 18.5GB free space on disk
Features
- The main feature of Mojave is “Dark Mode”
- FaceTime adds group feature which allows chatting with up to 32 people
- News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home apps were ported from iOS to Mac.
How to install
If your Mac is eligible to update to Mojave, then the easiest way to install it is by enabling automatic updates. Downloading a standalone Mojave installer could be a little tricky.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Mojave
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 and 2010-2012 models with upgraded GPU)
macOS 10.13 High Sierra
Release date: September 25, 2017
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 14.3GB free space on disk
Features
- APFS (Apple File System) becomes the default file system in High Sierra. It’s a significant upgrade from the older HFS+ in terms of speed, size, and security
- iCloud support of Messages which allows sync messages of the account across multiple devices
- Mail app uses 35% less storage space due to optimizations
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS High Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
How to install
Here is a High Sierra download link.
macOS 10.12 Sierra
This is the first macOS version. Previous OS versions for Macs were called OS X (X stands for 10).
Release date: September 20, 2016
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Siri was introduced to Macs
- Optimized storage with iCloud sync
- Auto-lock feature allows unlocking MacBook with paired Apple Watch
- APFS preview available
- Disk Utility can manage RAID sets again
- Significant security improvements
How to install
Here is a Sierra download link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Last OS X version.
Release date: September 30, 2015
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- System Integrity Protection – a security feature that protects even when the root user executes the process
- Performance improvements: open PDF files four times faster, Mail is twice faster, launching apps 40% faster
- Notes app similar to the app in iOS
Macs compatible with OS X El Capitan
same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
Here is El Capitan download link.
OS X 10.10 Yosemite
Release date: October 16, 2014
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Macs compatible with OS X Yosemite
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
Features
- Major user design overhaul
- Introduction of Handoff and Continuity features
- Photos app replaced iPhoto and Aperture
How to install
Here is Yosemite download link.
OS X 10.9 Mavericks
First free Mac OS. Previous OS versions vary from $19.99 to $129.
Release date: October 22, 2013
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Compressed Memory feature automatically compresses inactive apps when approaching maximum memory capacity
- Timer coalescing is a feature that reduces CPU usage by up to 72 percent
- App Nap puts apps that are not currently visible to sleep
Macs compatible with OS X Mavericks
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
OS X Mavericks installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install Mavericks.
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
Must be purchased. Fixed many bugs introduced in OS X Lion.
Release date: July 25, 2012
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- New apps: Notification Center, Notes, Messages, Game Center
- AirPlay mirroring allowed to mirror Mac screen to Apple TV
- Application updates automatically install from the App Store
List of Apple computers compatible with OS X Mountain Lion
- iMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
- MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
How to install
Mountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
List of older Mac OS Versions
Following Mac OS versions are still running on older Macs, but Apple does not support them anymore, and there is no point to upgrade (or downgrade) to them:
- OS X 10.7 Lion
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
- Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
- Mac OS X 10.1 Puma
- Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah
By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: September 29, 2020
“I’ve been having trouble getting around the security bug on MacOS High Sierra 10.13.1. How can I fix that? Also, I just updated my iPhone to iOS 11 and my contacts disappeared into thin air. Is it possible to get them back?”
Part 1. MacOS and iOS Updates
In case you’ve noticed, Apple is constantly releasing new updates, versions and even beta versions for its operating systems. Whether it’s the MacOS or the iOS, you can expect the company’s developers to consistently fix bugs and improve your device’s performance.
Currently, you can find a solution for Why your Mac is running slow.
If you need to speed up your Mac, iMyMac will be a good choice.
That said, there’s always a room for error when it comes to technology. In this post, we will explore the different issues that face users today and how you can easily address them.
Part 2. Mac OS 10.13.1 Problems and How to Solve Them
Since the release of MacOS High Sierra in September 2017, 2 major updates have already been rolled out by Apple: 10.13.1 and 10.13.2. The said updates were developed to address security issues and improve Mac’s performance.
MacOS 10.13.1 was specifically released to fix a vulnerability in the WPA2 Wi-Fi standard that could allow attackers to decrypt network traffic. Several new emoji were also included in the new version. While they are multiple improvements, users still report problems and errors while using their Mac.
Problem #1: You can’t update to MacOS 10.13.1.
Failed installation is a common scenario when doing an OS update, and the same applies for MacOS 10.13.1. If you’ve been pressing the Download button for several times already, you could troubleshoot by doing the following:
Solution #1: Check your internet connection.
Verify if your internet connection is intact and check your router. If there is no problem, you can switch to a wired, more stable connection instead of connection via Wi-Fi.
Solution #2: Download the update from Apple’s support website.
If you’re downloading from the Mac App Store, you can try Apple’s website instead.
Fix Mac OS High Sierra Problem
Problem #2: Anyone can log in as admin with the root user account.
In case you’re living under the rock, then you should know that there is a serious bug affecting High Sierra. It allows anyone to bypass administrator authentication without a password. This is possible by entering ‘root’ as the username and leaving the password field blank. This can be done by going to your Mac’s settings and enabling root or by logging in to a locked Mac. This flaw makes your device vulnerable to malicious users.
Solution: Set a password for root account.
- Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences.
- Choose Users & Groups then click the lock icon at the bottom.
- Enter your admin username and password.
- Select Login Options and choose Join.
- Select Open Directory Utility and click the lock icon.
- Supply your administrator username and password.
- Select Edit from the menu bar. Look for the Enable Root User option.
- Enter your desired password.
You may check if the password is indeed in place by logging out of your Mac user account and then attempting to log in again with ‘root’ as the username.
Fix Mac OS High Sierra 10.13.1 Root Bug
Problem #3: The security update to address the High Sierra root bug doesn’t seem to work.
Apple released a security patch, Security Update 2017-001, within 18 hours after the root bug was discovered. The company’s prompt action was applauded, though several users raised an issue which renders the update useless.
If you have installed the new update while you are still running on High Sierra 10.13, the root bug will reappear once you upgrade to 10.13.1. Knife only (itch) mac os.
Solution: Re-install the security patch and reboot.
When you’ve just upgraded from High Sierra 10.13 to 10.13.1, make sure that you install the security update the second time around. After that, restart your Mac. Once it is turned back on, verify if the update has been successfully installed by following the steps below.
- Open the Terminal app. You may see it in the utility folder of your Applications folder.
- Enter what /usr/libexec/open directory and hit Return.
- Check for the following version numbers. If you see one of them, that means the new patch has been installed.
Lost Ones Mac Os Catalina
- open directory-483.1.5 on macOS High Sierra 10.13
- open directory-483.20.7 on macOS High Sierra 10.13.1
Part 3. Recovering Lost Contacts After An iOS 11 update
Problem: Contacts are deleted after upgrading to the latest iOS11.
If you’re dealing with an empty Contacts app after you have updated your iPhone to iOS11, we’ll help you out Data loss is a common issue raised by many iPhone users after attempting to upgrade to iOS 11. There are also reports that the update would not complete. If that’s the case, it is as if your contacts got deleted for nothing.
Solution: Use FoneDog iOS Data Recovery to recover lost contacts.
FoneDog iOS Data Recovery is a software that can restore all kinds of files, including messages, images, documents, and even WhatsApp messages. With an extensive capability, it can also double as a data eraser and a tool to solve common iOS system issues. The software has the highest data recovery success rate in the industry, so you’re guaranteed to get your contacts back. FoneDog does that with 3 different recovery methods:
- Recover from iOS Device
- Recover from iCloud Backup File
- Recover from iTunes Backup File
Use one that is best for you. If you do not back up your files, choose the first mode. If you do, select one of the last two options. Before we start, download FoneDog iOS Data Recovery and wait for it to install on your computer.
Recovery Mode #1: Recover Lost Contacts from iOS Device
- Launch the software and connect your iPhone to the computer.
- The software will provide you with 3 options. Select Recover from iOS Deviceand click Start Scan.
- The window will display all found files. On the left tab, click Contacts. You may see the list of contacts and review them one by one.
- Mark the contacts that you want to retrieve. Hit Recover to save them.
Also Read:
Recover Deleted Text Messages from iPhone X
Recover Deleted Text Messages from iPhone X
Recover Lost Contacts from iPhone
Recovery Mode #2: Recover Deleted Contacts from iCloud Backup File
- Click onRecover from iCloud Backup File. You will be directed to the login screen of iCloud. Enter your Apple ID and password.
- Your iCloud backup files will appear. Choose one and hit Download.
- A small window will appear, asking you to indicate what file types you want the software to scan. Tick Contacts and hit Next.
- The list of contacts will be displayed. Tick the items that you wish to retrieve. Click Recover to download them.
Also Read:
iCloud Guide: Recover Deleted Call History from iCloud
iCloud Guide: Recover Deleted Call History from iCloud
Recover Deleted Contacts from iCloud
Recovery Mode #3: Restore Lost Contacts from iTunes Backup
- From the available choices, click Recover from iTunes Backup.
- The software will show you the available iTunes backup files. Make your selection and click Start Scan.
- On the left portion of the window, click Contacts. You will now see your contacts on the right.
- After ticking the boxes beside the contacts that you need, click Recover.
Also Read:
iTunes Guide: View iTunes Backup Files
iTunes Guide: View iTunes Backup Files
Restore Lost Contacts from iTunes Backup
Part 4. Conclusion
Before proceeding to upgrade to the newer version of your OS, make sure to back up your files first. Whenever you subject your device to a major update, you make it vulnerable to data loss. You may back up using iCloud or iTunes.
We hope that this post will help you fix Mac OS 10.13.1 problems and recover lost contacts after an iOS11 update. If you do lose some files again, you can rely on FoneDog iOS Data Recovery. You can try it out for free for the first 30 days. If you’re pleased with it, switch to the full version and enjoy advanced features so you can take full control of your files.
>Recovery >The Simple Guide to Fixing Mac OS 10.13.1 Problems and Recovering Lost Contacts After An iOS 11 Update
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