How to restore OS BEFORE Big Sur

[circatee]

I have a MacBook Air 2015, with Big Sur. Currently, there is no Time Machine backup of the old OS.
Is there a way for me to reset to factory, and install the ORIGINAL OS, or at least an OS prior to Big Sur?

Thanks

 

[circatee]

Someone shared a solution with me: Boot with Shift-Option-Command-R
Trying it now...

 

[circatee]

It kept failing with the error on this link. Despite trying the various fixes on that thread, still did not work.
For now, I will just bloody leave it with Big Sur. After all, the MBA 2015 will never be as quick as the M1

"An Error Occurred While Preparing the Installation", Fix • macReports

Updating your Mac to the latest version of the macOS software is usually easy and straightforward. However, you may run into Mac update issues. A common

macreports.com

 

[Apple_Robert]

It kept failing with the error on this link. Despite trying the various fixes on that thread, still did not work.
For now, I will just bloody leave it with Big Sur. After all, the MBA 2015 will never be as quick as the M1

"An Error Occurred While Preparing the Installation", Fix • macReports

Updating your Mac to the latest version of the macOS software is usually easy and straightforward. However, you may run into Mac update issues. A common

macreports.com

Try removing your Air from the list of your devices at AppleID.apple.com and try again.

 

[circatee]

Try removing your Air from the list of your devices at AppleID.apple.com and try again.

Thanks for the tip. Tried that, and same error. For now, I will just leave well alone. - LOL

 

[Audit13]

Are you able to download an older installer to create a bootable USB from another Mac?

 

[circatee]

Are you able to download an older installer to create a bootable USB from another Mac?

I do not have access to another Mac. However, I am now evaluating the option of a MBA or MBP with an Intel chip.

PS: My experience with the M1 Mac Mini was AWFUL. Returned it after 6 days. Hence, above...