Cannot install Ventura from Monterey 12.7.6, MacBook Air M1, 2020, 8G RAM

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Cannot install Ventura from Monterey 12.7.6, MacBook Air M1, 2020, 8G RAM

I downloaded the upgrade from the App store. However when I try to install it, I get a "cannot downgrade volume" error. I have 29G available in storage. I do not have any other OS installers hiding on my laptop. I have tried running Disk Utility. I don't want to have to erase and install; I'm hoping there is an easier fix for what seems to be a common issue, judging from message boards.

Someone else posted this exact same issue here and received a great answer that worked, and I later saw people on the thread posting that the great answer had been taken down. Can that answer be reposted?

MacBook Air 13″

Posted on Apr 12, 2025 7:22 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 13, 2025 8:01 AM in response to macitall

Before you attempt to do anything else, please, please, please backup your stuff to an external drive with Time Machine. Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support It's easy to do and you'll kick yourself if you don't and something happens.

If a simple reboot of your Mac doesn’t fix things, see if the problem still happens in safe mode.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Safe mode will often correct weird behavior by forcing the OS to do disk repair, clear caches and other housekeeping and temporarily disables third-party mods.

Initiate your software upgrade while booted in safe mode.

Does the problem persist in safe mode?

You can exit safe mode by restarting your Mac normally, then reevaluate the problem.

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Answer 2

macitall Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 13, 2025 11:44 AM in response to Owl-53

Thanks so much for the replies. The article would have helped if I were trying to downgrade, but my issue was that I was getting that message when trying to update from Monterey to Ventura. And I have to confess I didn’t want to have to do the complete re-install, especially since I’ve now read that Apple is not supporting Ventura.

Yes, backup reminder goes without saying. After reading many message boards about what seems to be a known issue regarding trying to update from Monterey to Ventura, I decided to simply update all the way to Sequoia, using the Software update feature. Sequoia installed with no problem, except— Now I am getting a message that my Comcast email account name and PW are not recognized. The Mail issue also seems to be a known issue after updating to Sequoia. So now I am reading up on solutions for the Mail problem. If you have any suggestions about it, please reply; thank you!

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

95,615 points

Apr 13, 2025 12:53 PM in response to macitall

Based upon the Error Message that was supplied " I get a "cannot downgrade volume" error. "

It would have been reasonable to make certain conclusions, thusly the information suppled

As for the successful upGrade to macOS Sequoia

Pleased it all worked out well

E-mail issues post upGrading to Sequoia

Coincident and fairly certain there is no direct relationship between email issues and Sequoia but rather Comcast itself

Quick Test would to Log into the Comcast Web Portal with the appropriate User Name and Passed

Can you log in? Are the emails you have or are expecting all there ?

If not suggest making a New Posting in the Mail Forums as this Forums have user that are better equipped to assist

Personally, I seldom get directly involved in email issue

Just not my " Cup of Tea " sort of speak

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Answer 4

macitall Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 13, 2025 2:00 PM in response to Owl-53

Thanks again PRP_53 for the cogent replies! I actually logged into Xfinity portal webmail and changed my PW, then quit Mac Mail and relaunched it and it accepted the new PW, and all the recent emails came through.

So, all good. I am liking Sequoia so far.

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Answer 5

Owl-53

Level 10

95,615 points

Apr 13, 2025 1:28 AM in response to macitall

Suggest reading this article which details the exact error message " cannot downgrade volume" .

https://iboysoft.com/tips/this-volume-cannot-be-downgraded.html

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Cannot install Ventura from Monterey 12.7.6, MacBook Air M1, 2020, 8G RAM