Software installation: automatic OS downgrades?

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Level 1

8 points

Software installation: automatic OS downgrades?

I just checked the software installation log under system information for the first time ever on my MacBook Pro, currently on 11.7.7. To my surprise, I see it’s continually installed Monterey. In 2022, the installations went back and forth betweeen Big Sur and Monterey. Does this mean all these versions have been installed? I do have software update set to download and install OS updates automatically. Is it possible it’s been upgrading AND then also downgrading automatically? Or is it possible that my system is downloading these upgrades to Monterey but not installing? I have to admit I don’t pay attention much to the inner workings of my laptop (until now). Is it possible to keep switching between OS and I didn’t notice? I’ve attached photo of the log. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Nov 1, 2023 09:59 PM

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Answer 1

Ronasara

Level 6

15,465 points

Nov 2, 2023 11:01 AM in response to tingdubz

It is possible. If you open System Settings, then click onGeneral on the left, you can open the link for Automatic Updates by clicking the information logo on the right. This opens a window where you can optionally determine whether you want to Automatically

Check for updates
Install updates

It will do what you have selected. I suggest that you check your Applications Folder and the Downloads Folder and see if you might have several of those older updates in there.If so, you should install and/or delete them.

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Answer 2

tingdubz Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 2, 2023 10:42 AM in response to Ronasara

Thank you for the reply. I figured that would be a bit impossible. But I thought the system information logs all the application installations, as the name suggests. So my MacBook has just been downloading all these other higher OS versions, but not installing them?

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Answer 3

Nov 2, 2023 11:03 AM in response to tingdubz

there are settings to control that behavior in system preferences > software update

[√] keep my Mac up-to-date ... and additional checkboxes under (Advanced)

Recommended is to auto-install System data files and Security Updates. The rest are up to personal preference.

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Answer 4

tingdubz Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 2, 2023 06:12 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I am aware of the options for software update. Thus the concern. I had both download and install Mac OS updates checked. As the system information log suggests, my MacBook has been downloading all the latest OSs and respective updates. But I’m still on 11.7.7. So my Mac merely has been downloading all of these but not installing? Thanks again.

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Answer 5

Ronasara

Level 6

15,465 points

Nov 2, 2023 09:56 AM in response to tingdubz

There can be no automatic downgrades. To do so is a rather complex procedure which requires that the data be backed up and the HD is then erased and the new, older OS is then installed.

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Software installation: automatic OS downgrades?

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