Unable to open applications after macOS Tahoe update; how to revert to macOS Sequoia?

dshel625 wrote:

cannot open applications since updated to Tahoe. I want to go back to Sequoia.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: restore macos sequoia

Predicated on the user byline " iMac 24″, 

This is an Apple Silicon computer

Downgrading back to macOS 15 Sequoia is what they want ?

What is the users tolerance for " Risk " ?

1 - Is this your Only computer and you would not be able to live without it for a fews days if the downgrade procedure goes wrong ?

2 - Does the user have access to another Apple computer, that currently is running macOS 15 / 26 , that could be used to Revive or Restore the computer  Firmware  should the downgrade go wrong ?

3 - Does the user have at least 2 -  no -  make that 3 backups from a time before the computer was upGraded to macOS 26 Tahoe ?

Have a 3-2-1 Rescue Plan in place and always current

3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 off site incase of natural disaster or un-natural disaster.

Each of the above should be done to a Dedicated Single Purposed External Drive 

Below link is intended to augment what TM Backup does 

https://bombich.com

If the owner of this computer should answer NO  to any of the above questions

Then downgrading the computer Is Not Recommended 

You are better to work through these issues and use some of the previous suggestions

What do you mean by ‘cannot open applications’? If you open the Applications folder and double click one, what happens?

Or are you lamenting the end of Launchpad? Launchpad is not available in macOS 26 Tahoe. Instead, Apple has replaced it with a Spotlight-based application library similar to that on iOS. By default, the Apps app replaced the Launchpad app in your Dock (if it was there). macOS organizes the apps, you cannot manually sort them. To have Apple consider your feedback on this issue, submit it here:

Feedback - macOS - Apple

A possible workaround might be a 3rd party app, such as AppGridLauncher app (Mac App Store link) or https://www.launchie.app/.

Reverting to Sequoia requires erasing your internal drive, installing the older macOS, then restoring from a backup made before you upgraded to Tahoe. Not for the faint hearted.

Many times when an OS is upgraded some installed applications will no longer function.The solution is to then install a newer version to the application that will work with the newer OS.

DisonL wrote:

I really want to use the old Launchpad. But now it's too unfamiliar to me. Also, there are some applications that I don't use very often. I often find myself unable to access them.

Applications are typically installed in the Applications folder. If you don’t remember the name of an application open the Applications folder and look for it. It’s not that hard. And if you are so upset about the loss of Launchpad there are several third party alternatives. But really try Spotlight and you may find that it’s faster.

I really want to use the old Launchpad. But now it's too unfamiliar to me. Also, there are some applications that I don't use very often. I often find myself unable to access them.