Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can protect your files during a macOS downgrade, but the downgrade itself is not guaranteed to preserve them. First make and verify a backup stored somewhere other than your Mac’s internal drive. Then check which macOS installation options are available for your specific Mac. A standard macOS Recovery reinstall may retain files and settings; an erase-and-install deletes them.
Before you start: identify your Mac and target macOS
Record your Mac model, whether it uses Apple silicon or an Intel processor, and the macOS version you want to install. Recovery behavior can depend on the hardware and the Mac’s installation history. Apple’s instructions also differ between Apple silicon, Intel Macs with the T2 Security Chip, and Intel Macs without it. Follow the erase instructions for your exact hardware if you reach that step: Apple’s guide to erasing a Mac.
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Do not assume that macOS Recovery offers a choice of any earlier release. Apple documents conditional outcomes for some Macs and installation histories, but not a universal Recovery method for selecting any target version. Check the options Recovery presents for your Mac before committing to an erase.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBack up your files to a separate location
Make a backup before changing macOS, and keep it on external or network storage rather than relying on the internal disk you may need to erase. Apple recommends backing up before erasing; its Time Machine guide explains how to back up to another storage location. Confirm that the backup completed and that the storage is accessible before proceeding.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
A local Time Machine snapshot is not a replacement for a separate backup: it resides on the same disk as the original files. Apple says local snapshots are kept for up to 24 hours or until disk space is needed, whichever comes first.
Choose the installation path
| Path | What it means for your files | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reinstall macOS from Recovery without erasing | Apple says reinstalling macOS from Recovery can keep files and settings intact. | Use this only if the version offered is the version you intend to install. Recovery is not a guaranteed selector for an arbitrary earlier release. |
| Erase, then reinstall macOS | Apple says this deletes user accounts, network settings, files, and folders. | Proceed only after verifying a separate backup and confirming the installation route and target version for your Mac. |
Apple’s Recovery reinstall instructions describe reinstalling without erasing. If the earlier macOS you want is not offered, stop before erasing and check which Apple-supported installer or recovery method applies to your particular model. Do not treat a successful backup as proof that the installation itself will preserve your data.
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
What Recovery may install
Version selection is not identical for every Mac. Apple says that on Apple silicon, Recovery installs the current version of the most recently installed macOS. Apple also describes cases where, after an upgrade, erasing with Disk Utility might result in the macOS version used before the upgrade. If the Mac’s prior installation was a beta, erasing an Apple silicon Mac may install the previous release version. These are conditional outcomes, not a guaranteed way to downgrade every Mac to a chosen release.
Erase only after confirming the backup and method
- Confirm the backup. Check that it completed on separate storage and that you can access it. If you cannot verify the backup, do not erase the Mac.
- Confirm the target. Start the Recovery process appropriate for your Mac and check which macOS version is actually offered. If the target is not available or you are unsure which supported installation method applies, stop before erasing.
- Follow the hardware-specific erase procedure. Apple’s steps differ for Apple silicon and Intel Macs with or without the T2 Security Chip. Erasing removes user accounts, network settings, files, and folders.
- Install macOS. Continue only when you have confirmed that the installation path matches your goal. Apple’s Recovery guide covers reinstalling; its erase guide covers the destructive route.
Restore your files after installation
After reinstalling macOS, Apple supports restoring from a Time Machine backup in Recovery and using Migration Assistant to transfer personal files, apps, and a user account. See Apple’s Migration Assistant instructions. Restore only after the earlier macOS is installed and running.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Do not assume every application or system setting will transfer identically to an earlier macOS release. Check important files and confirm that the applications you rely on are available and compatible before deleting or repurposing the backup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #4
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
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