How to Switch from Catalina to Mojave?

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If you have just installed the most recent Mac OS Catalina and are experiencing heavy problems, going back to Mojave is the obvious solution. Or maybe you simply do not like Mojave and prefer the older version.

Whatever the reason may be, downgrading is always a possibility. However, keep in mind that the process is somewhat long, but if you have made up your mind, you should not have too many problems going through with it. Continue reading to find out how to downgrade from catalina.

Backup

The first step should be making sure that all your files are backed up. You do not want to miss anything crucial and feel sorry after the change. It should be obvious that files will not simply transfer once you are done with downgrading. What does this mean? Well, you will have to copy the files and put them into external disks or clouds.

Macbook’s startup disk is going to be completely erased, so make sure that you have everything stored safe and sound before committing. And while there are methods to restore documents, it is still better to be safe than sorry. 

One final thing to note before you do the backup. Delete all the junk that has no place on your computer in the first place. Scan your disks using anti-virus software. Caches, hidden files, useless junk and all that can be removed using great software like CleanMyMac.

Saving Passwords

When you downgrade, all the information from your hard drive gets deleted with it. And that includes license keys, settings, and so on. It was already mentioned how important it is to back up files, but when it comes to passwords and other personal information, the need becomes that much higher. 

Some people like to use syncing software that syncs logins and passwords on different devices, but it would be better if you opened up a new Notes document and typed everything in there. Or even take a piece of paper and write all the passwords with your hand. This will ensure that nothing will get lost. 

Sure, it will not be the end of the world if you miss out on something since you can always recover accounts using your login information and creating a new password, but why give yourself that extra trouble? 

Creating a Bootable Installer

You will need to get Mojave. Go to the app store and download it. If the application starts automatically and tries to install, shut it down.

Get a USB drive or an external hard drive. Plug it in the computer. Start Disk Utilities and format the drive as Mac OS Extended. If there is an option to select the GUID partition map, be sure to do that.

If you are experiencing difficulties, consider using something like DiskMaker or other software that creates bootable installers. Have the installer ready the moment you obtain it.

Getting Rid of Catalina

Check if the Macbook has an internet connection. Select the Apple menu and click the Restart button. Press and hold command + R to enter Recovery mode. Select Disk Utility and click on your startup disk. Erase it and quit.

In case your Macbook came with Mojave as the original OS version, all you have to do is select Reinstall macOS from macOS Utilities and press continue, wait for it to finish, and you will be back to the version you desired.

Time Machine

No, this is not about time travel. Time Machine is an application that you can use to restore your system back to Mojave as well, provided that you backed up your files with it as well. Launch it, log in with your username and password and continue with the instructions that will be shown on the screen during the whole process.

Bootable Installer

With all that is said and done, if you did choose a bootable installer, start with plugging the drive and restart the computer via Apple Menu holding the Option key. Mojave should start installing on your Macbook. After the installation process is complete, the computer will restart. Once it finishes loading, you will see the Setup Assistant. Follow the instructions step by step and you will have Mojave ready to go in a matter of minutes.

Restoring the System

All that is left for you is restoring things the way they were, only on a Macbook that has Mojave instead of Catalina. Transfer all those files from external drive and cloud, make sure that your passwords are working, and feel free to enjoy the changes.

MacBook Still Underperforming

If you are still experiencing issues with your Macbook, it means that the root of the problem was somewhere else. Perhaps there is no going back and you will need a replacement, but if everything worked fine before you switched to Catalina, switching back to Mojave ought to make everything better.

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