Introduction
You may be wondering why anyone would want to downgrade their macOS version from Sierra to El Capitan in the first place. There could be several reasons. Maybe you’re experiencing technical issues with Sierra such as frequent crashing. Maybe certain applications or features that you depend on are not compatible with Sierra. It’s also possible that Sierra is slowing down your computer or interfering with your workflow. Whatever your reason may be, this article will guide you through the steps to successfully downgrade your macOS version to El Capitan.
Detailed Discussion on Downgrade MacOS Sierra El Capitan
Before we get started, it’s important to note that this process can be time-consuming and involves erasing your hard drive, so it’s important to backup all important files and data beforehand. With that said, let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Step 1 – Create a Bootable El Capitan USB Drive
To downgrade to El Capitan, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the El Capitan installer on it. Here’s how:
- Download the El Capitan Installer from the App Store.
- Plug in a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage.
- Open up Terminal.
- Type “sudo /Applications/Install macOS El Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/Untitled –applicationpath /Applications/Install macOS El Capitan.app –nointeraction” in the terminal, without quotes.
- Press Return and enter your Admin password when prompted.
- Wait for the process to complete, which usually takes around 20 minutes.
Step 2 – Erase your Hard Drive
Once you have created a bootable USB drive, you’re ready to downgrade to El Capitan. The first step is to erase your hard drive. Be sure to backup all important files and data before doing so. Here’s how:
- Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R to enter recovery mode.
- Select Disk Utility and click Continue.
- Select your hard drive and click Erase.
- Give your hard drive a name and select Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for the format.
- Click Erase.
- Close Disk Utility.
Step 3 – Install El Capitan
Once your hard drive is erased, you’re ready to install El Capitan. Here’s how:
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Open up the Installer by double-clicking on the “Install macOS El Capitan” file.
- Click Continue and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Select the hard drive you just erased and click Install.
- Wait for the process to complete, which usually takes less than an hour.
- Once done, your Mac will restart and you’ll be running El Capitan instead of Sierra.
Concluding Thoughts on Downgrade MacOS Sierra El Capitan
While downgrading to an older version of macOS may not be an ideal solution, it’s sometimes necessary to keep your computer running smoothly. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a clear guide on how to downgrade from macOS Sierra to El Capitan. If you followed the steps carefully, you’ll be running El Capitan in no time.
FAQs about Downgrade MacOS Sierra El Capitan
Can I downgrade from macOS High Sierra to El Capitan?
Yes, you can. The process is similar to downgrading from Sierra. You’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the El Capitan installer and erase your hard drive before installing El Capitan.
Will downgrading to El Capitan affect my files and applications?
Yes, downgrading to El Capitan will erase your hard drive so you’ll need to backup all important files and applications beforehand. Once you’ve installed El Capitan, you can transfer your files back onto your computer.
Can I upgrade back to macOS Sierra after downgrading to El Capitan?
Yes, you can upgrade back to Sierra or any other macOS version by downloading the installer and following the upgrade process. However, keep in mind that downgrading and upgrading your operating system can be time-consuming and may require you to backup and transfer files multiple times.
