New Macbook Pro 2021 - not able to install OS X Big Sur

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Level 1

8 points

New Macbook Pro 2021 - not able to install OS X Big Sur

Hi there

Just received my new MBP 2021 and tried to install OS X Big Sur on it. My goal is to run both versions of OS X (Sur and Monterey) parallel.

Now i really struggle and can't get it to install big sur. I erased the disk completely and created and external booter with Sur. Now in the install menu of the OS installer i Only get the "update cannot be installed on this computer" error and am unable to proceed.

Any thoughts on this? My thinking was that it should work like a charm to downgrade it to Big Sur. I would have to return the product if there isn't a way to get big Sur up an running...

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Nov 11, 2021 11:02 PM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

101,425 points

Nov 12, 2021 3:42 AM in response to Fingerli

Sorry but Apple makes the Software that runs on the computer as does it also make the Computers. Therefore, they also make the Rules.

One might be able to run Big Sur in a suitable and compatible VM Software. That will require the user to investigate this option carefully before investing the time and money.

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Answer 2

Fingerli Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 12, 2021 3:48 AM in response to Owl-53

Thanks for your reply.

Pretty sure that won't work for the case I need it. Anyway im trying to get my way around in Monterey and see if everything works the way it should and if not... I really have to return my lovely new MBP.

Cheers

Michael

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

101,425 points

Nov 12, 2021 3:52 AM in response to Fingerli

Welcome.

Do come back to the ASC Forums if additional questions arise

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

101,425 points

Nov 12, 2021 3:37 AM in response to Fingerli

If the computer Originally as New had Monterey installed - it technically can not run Big Sur as per Apple Licence Agreement.

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Answer 5

Fingerli Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 12, 2021 3:38 AM in response to Owl-53

you mean apple decided not to let users use another version of their OS even if some software only just got supported on Big Sur? That would mean the machine is useless to me...

What a shame!

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Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

101,425 points

Nov 12, 2021 3:59 AM in response to Fingerli

Welcome and may thanks also.

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Answer 7

dialabrain

Level 10

134,867 points

Nov 12, 2021 4:05 AM in response to Fingerli

Just to clarify something, one has never been able to run a version of macOS/OS X that was older than the version that originally shipped with the machine.

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Answer 8

Owl-53

Level 10

101,425 points

Nov 12, 2021 4:07 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks for the excellent point ;-)

Will add to knowledge base for similar and future issues.

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New Macbook Pro 2021 - not able to install OS X Big Sur

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