The latest macOS Ventura has many features like Stage Manager, Spotlight with new and improved search and quick actions, and a Mail app that supports undoing and scheduling emails, but it's still in developer beta. Like any beta release, macOS 13 is not without bugs.

Also, if you try the developer preview on your main device, there are bugs that might affect your device. Additionally, most third-party app developers take time to make their apps Ventura compatible. So now it's best to downgrade your Mac to the stable macOS Monterey release. But how do you go back to macOS 12?

How to Downgrade macOS Using Time Machine Backup

If you have backups, this method is for you. Otherwise, you can try other methods mentioned below.

1. Connect the Time Machine hard drive to the Mac.

2. Click the Apple icon and select Restart.

3. Now, go to the boot selection screen.

• For Apple Silicon Macs: Press the power button until you see the splash screen → click Options → Continue.
• For Intel-based Macs: Press and hold Command + R when you see the Apple logo or hear the startup chime.

4. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup → Click Continue.

5. Read through the process (optional) → click Continue.

6. Select the backup source → click Continue again.

7. Select the most recent macOS Monterey backup and click Continue.

This process may take some time.

Note: When you restore from a backup, the current data on your Mac will be completely wiped. Back up these files if you don't want to lose your data.

Downgrade to macOS Monterey with macOS Recovery

If you don't currently have a Time Machine backup or the backup doesn't work when you restore it, go ahead and restore from macOS Ventura to macOS Monterey using the macOS recovery method.

Note: For this method, you must have a stable internet connection and a wired keyboard (or use the built-in keyboard).

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. Now, turn on and immediately hold down one of the three combinations of the keyboard until the Apple logo appears:

• Command + R: Reinstall the latest macOS version installed on your Mac.
• Option + Command + R: Upgrade to the latest macOS version compatible with your device.
• Shift + Option + Command + R: Reinstall macOS or the closest available version that came with your Mac.

3. Enter your password → click Continue.

4. Click Next → Select Reinstall macOS → Click Continue.

5. Now follow the on-screen instructions → select the disk to flash.

If you are asked to unlock the disk, enter your Mac's password.

Wait until the installation process is complete. Do not put your Mac to sleep or close the lid while this process is taking place. Throughout the process, you'll see your Mac restart multiple times, progress bars will appear and disappear, and the screen may even go blank for a while.

Don't worry, as this is part of the process, just wait until it's done. Finally, you will see the login screen you normally see. This means that you have successfully completed the process.

Reinstall macOS Monterey using the bootable installer

The steps to install macOS Monterey via the bootable installer vary depending on your Mac. This is because the T2 chip in some Intel Macs prevents installation from an external drive.

on Intel Mac

Apple has introduced the T2 security chip in its Intel Macs for extra security. As part of this, it will prevent you from installing macOS Monterey via the bootable installer method. If you have an Apple Silicon Mac, go to the steps for using an Apple Silicon Mac.

1. Restart your Mac while holding down the Option key.

2. When the boot selection screen appears, release the keys and hold Command + R to enter recovery.

3. After recovery, click Utilities → Select Startup Security Utility.

4. Enter your Mac password.

5. Here, select Allow booting.

You have now disabled External Boot Protection on Intel Macs. Now, it's time to install macOS Monterey on your Mac via the bootable installer. For that reason:

1. Restart your Mac while holding down Option until you get to the startup selection screen.

2. Boot to Monterey's USB installer.

3. Allow verification of external disks.

4. After that, click on Disk Utility → Continue.

5. Under Internal, click Macintosh HD (Hard Disk) → click Erase.

6. Now, click on Erase Volume Group.

7. Wait for the process to complete and click Finish.

8. Click Disk Utility → Select Exit Disk Utility.

9. Install macOS Monterey and click continue.

10. Agree to windows and select Macintosh HD → click Continue.

Wait until the process is complete and after the downgrade process you will see the usual setup screen for macOS Monterey.

on Apple Silicon Macs

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. Press and hold the power button until you see the loading boot option.

3. Click USB Installer→Continue.

4. Now, click Install macOS Monterey and choose Exit to install macOS.

5. After that, click on Disk Utility → Continue.

6. Under Internal, click Macintosh HD (Hard Drive) and then click Erase.

7. Then, click Erase again to confirm.

8. Wait for the process to complete and click Finish.

9. Next, click Disk Utility → Select Exit Disk Utility.

10. Activate the Mac → Click Exit to Recovery.

11. Agree to windows and select Macintosh HD → click Continue.

12. Select Startup Disk → click Restart.

Wait until the process is complete. After that, you will see the macOS setup screen!

While it's certainly exciting to experience new things in front of others, it comes at a price. With macOS 13 Ventura, while enjoying features, bugs can ruin the experience. Until a stable release is released, it's best to stay on the stable macOS 12 Monterey.