Can I install Big Sur instead of Monterey?

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Quick Answer

It is technically possible to install macOS Big Sur instead of Monterey on a compatible Mac, but it is not recommended or supported by Apple. The best option is to keep your Mac up-to-date with the latest macOS version for full compatibility and security updates. However, there may be some specific use cases where sticking with Big Sur makes sense.

What Are the Key Differences Between Big Sur and Monterey?

macOS Monterey (version 12) and Big Sur (version 11) have some notable differences:

Monterey supports Universal Control to seamlessly control multiple Apple devices with one mouse/trackpad

Monterey has updated Safari, Mail, and Maps apps
Monterey enables AirPlay to Mac from iPhone/iPad
Monterey includes new accessibility features like Live Captions

Monterey integrates with iCloud Passkeys for passwordless sign-in

In contrast, Big Sur introduced design changes, added widget support to the Home Screen, improved notifications, and brought Apple silicon support.

Overall, Monterey builds on Big Sur with incremental improvements and new capabilities. It’s generally recommended to update for full compatibility with new apps and accessories.

Is Monterey Compatible With My Mac?

Monterey can run on:

MacBook: Early 2016 and later
MacBook Air: Early 2015 and later

MacBook Pro: Early 2015 and later
Mac mini: Late 2014 and later
iMac: Late 2015 and later

iMac Pro: 2017 and later
Mac Pro: Late 2013 and later

If you have an older Mac that’s incompatible with Monterey, you may consider sticking with Big Sur. But even Big Sur has ended support on many older Macs from 2013 and earlier.

Reasons You May Want To Use Big Sur Instead

Here are some potential reasons to install or stick with Big Sur rather than upgrading to Monterey:

You need 32-bit app compatibility – Monterey only supports 64-bit apps. Big Sur can still run some older 32-bit apps.
You have incompatible hardware or software – Some accessories or apps may not be fully supported on Monterey yet.

You want to maintain a specific setup – Upgrading can sometimes disrupt complex custom configurations.
You need better performance – Monterey may run slower on some older Macs. Big Sur could provide better performance.
You don’t use the newest features – If you don’t need the latest capabilities like Universal Control, staying on Big Sur could work fine.

You want greater stability – Major updates can introduce new bugs. Big Sur may be more stable if you aren’t having issues.

Evaluate your specific needs and setup to determine if remaining on Big Sur makes sense based on these factors.

Can I Install Big Sur Instead of Monterey?

If you have a Mac able to run Monterey, you can technically install Big Sur instead, but it requires creating a Big Sur bootable installer drive. Here are the basic steps:

Download macOS Big Sur from the App Store on a Mac running Big Sur – it will be listed under your Purchased items if you’ve downloaded it before.
Plug in an external USB drive with at least 12GB of available storage.
Launch Terminal and use the createinstallmedia command to create a bootable Big Sur installer on the drive. Follow Apple’s instructions for the exact syntax.

With the drive plugged in, reboot your Mac and hold Option to select the external drive and boot from it.
Launch the Big Sur installer from the external drive and follow the steps to install. The installer will download any necessary files.
Once installation is complete, you can boot back to Big Sur.

This process lets you install and run Big Sur even on machines shipped with Monterey, although you’ll get an alert the version is unsupported.

You can repeat this process to create Mojave or Catalina installers as well if you have an older machine. But Apple does not recommend or support downgrading.

Should I Consider Staying on Big Sur Long-Term?

In most cases, it’s not recommended to stay on an older macOS long-term rather than keeping your Mac up-to-date. Here are some downsides to sticking with Big Sur indefinitely:

Lack of compatibility with new apps and devices
Missing out on new capabilities in recent macOS releases
No longer receiving important security updates

Reduced performance improvements from new versions
More potential bugs or crashes in older versions
Not able to use newer Mac hardware like M2-based models

Apple generally supports the current macOS release and the previous 2 major versions with security updates. Once Big Sur is 3 versions old, it will become unsupported.

Staying on Big Sur too long means you’ll increasingly lose access to the latest apps, features, security fixes, and hardware support. It’s best to keep your system updated when possible.

Best Practices for Upgrading

If you decide upgrading to Monterey or a newer macOS is right for your needs, here are some tips for a smooth transition:

Check compatibility – Confirm your Mac model and all critical apps are supported.
Back up your system – Use Time Machine or another backup before upgrading.
Update apps beforehand – Get all your apps updated to latest versions before upgrading.

Review what’s new – Understand the major changes coming in the new OS.
Clean up your Mac – Declutter files, run maintenance routines before upgrading.
Install cleanly – An erase install rather than in-place upgrade can avoid issues.

Take your time – Don’t rush the process, allow ample time for installation.

Doing your homework before upgrading and taking time with the process can ensure everything goes smoothly to the new version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about installing Big Sur instead of Monterey:

Is it free to install Big Sur instead?

Yes, installing Big Sur instead of Monterey is free if you previously purchased Big Sur, as you can download it again from the App Store. There’s no cost to re-install or downgrade to Big Sur.

Can I still get apps and security updates on Big Sur?

Apple provides ongoing updates for the current and previous two macOS major releases. Once Big Sur is 3 versions old, it will lose support. As long as it’s still supported, you can continue receiving important app compatibility updates and security patches.

What Macs are compatible with Big Sur but not Monterey?

Most Macs that can run Big Sur can also run Monterey. But some models like the early 2015 MacBook Air and 2013 Mac Pro can support Big Sur but are too old for Monterey. Review Apple’s compatibility lists to be sure.

Is performance better on Big Sur compared to Monterey?

Performance is highly dependent on your specific Mac model and hardware configuration. In some cases, Big Sur may feel a little snappier on older Macs. But Monterey also has significant under-the-hood improvements that can optimize performance.

Can I still use my existing Time Machine backup if I revert to Big Sur?

Yes, you should be able to restore your apps, files, and settings from a Time Machine backup created in Monterey after installing Big Sur. But it’s best to have a current backup before downgrading.

What’s the easiest way to downgrade from Monterey to Big Sur?

The simplest method is to use a bootable Big Sur installer drive to wipe your Mac and reinstall Big Sur fresh. Trying to downgrade in-place from Monterey is not recommended or supported.

The Bottom Line

While downgrading to Big Sur is possible in limited cases, keeping your Mac up to date with the latest macOS version is highly recommended for performance, compatibility, and security. Only remain on Big Sur if you have specific needs and understand the compromises. Make sure to do a clean install and backup your data beforehand.

Conclusion

Installing Big Sur instead of Monterey should be carefully considered based on your Mac’s compatibility, your hardware and software needs, and the tradeoffs of using an older macOS version. Although Apple does not recommend or support downgrades, it is technically achievable for certain use cases where sticking with Big Sur makes sense. But for most Mac users, keeping fully up-to-date with Monterey or later is the best approach to get the newest features, security protections, and hardware support. With proper precautions like clean installs and backups, upgrading to the latest macOS can typically be a smooth transition that keeps your system performing optimally.