How to Downgrade macOS Ventura Beta to macOS Monterey (2025 Guide)
Running into issues with the macOS Ventura beta? Many users experience bugs, app crashes, or compatibility problems—and downgrading to macOS Monterey may be your best solution.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to safely downgrade macOS Ventura (beta) to Monterey, whether you’re on Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2).
Quick Downgrade Summary
- Back up your data (Time Machine or external drive)
- Download Monterey installer via App Store or Apple’s official links
- Create a bootable USB installer
- Erase Ventura via Recovery Mode
- Reinstall macOS Monterey from bootable USB
- Restore from backup (optional)
Step 1: Back Up Your Mac
Downgrading requires erasing your current disk. Be sure to:
- Use Time Machine to back up files
- Or manually copy files to an external SSD or cloud storage
More: Back up with Time Machine
Step 2: Download macOS Monterey Installer
Visit the macOS Monterey page and download it from the Mac App Store. It should appear in your Applications folder as “Install macOS Monterey.”
Step 3: Create a Bootable macOS Monterey USB
Use a 16GB+ USB drive and run the following Terminal command:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
Replace /Volumes/MyVolume with the name of your USB drive.
More details: Apple’s guide
Step 4: Erase macOS Ventura
For Intel Macs:
- Reboot and hold Command + R
- Open Disk Utility
- Select Macintosh HD > Erase
- Format as APFS and name it Macintosh HD
For Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3):
- Shut down your Mac
- Press and hold the Power button until you see “Loading Options”
- Select Disk Utility > Erase as above
Step 5: Reinstall macOS Monterey
- Plug in your bootable USB
- Restart your Mac and:
- Hold Option (Intel)
- Or Power button (Apple Silicon)
- Choose your USB drive from startup options
- Follow prompts to install macOS Monterey
Step 6: Restore Files (Optional)
After installation:
- Use Migration Assistant to restore files from Time Machine or external disk
More help: Use Migration Assistant
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I downgrade without losing data?
No. You must erase the drive—unless you made a full backup beforehand.
I’m stuck in Recovery Mode—what now?
Ensure your USB is properly formatted and the installer is intact.
Can I downgrade from macOS Ventura official release (not beta)?
Yes, the same process applies.
Where’s the installer for macOS Monterey?
Use this Apple link: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683
📢 Reddit Insight
“Downgrading was a lifesaver after Ventura beta broke my Wi-Fi and Docker. Monterey is way more stable for now.” — u/macDevFix
🌐 Helpful Resources
Author: Jane Doe
macOS & Tech Repair Specialist | 7+ years in Mac administration, recovery, and system optimization.