How to run Mojave (10.14) on a 2017 iMac with Ventura (13.7) ?

[PabloS.]

Hi folks!

At the moment I use a 2017 iMac with Ventura (13.7) and it's perfect for all my needs.

Except for one thing. I need to use for work some specific old software that only run under Mojave (10.14) or earlier. Can't use the software above Mojave. What would be the best way and solution for me to run Mojave (10.14) on my iMac?

Could I create a APFS volume on my iMac then install Mojave on that volume and then boot in Mojave when needed? That's a possibility or installing earlier macOS like Mojave on a APFS volume is not possible or a recipe for disaster on my iMac?

Any other idea maybe?

Thanks alot for your time!

P.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

The best option, is replace the software with something actually supported.

Second best is Parallels.

 

[PabloS.]

Yep, I indeed considered and looked for a software replacement and equivalent, doesn't exist unfortunate that's why I'm looking for a solution so I can go to the source and use the real thing.

Never heard of Parallels, I'll look for it. Thanks for the suggestion.

So creating a APFS volume on my iMac to install Mojave on it isn't the way route I suppose?

 

[schnaps]

Old OSes don't have drivers for new hardware.

The only one option - run old software in a virtual machine with the old version OS. This works pretty well.

You can also use the free Vmware Fusion instead of the expensive Parallels.

 

[chrfr]

Hi folks!

At the moment I use a 2017 iMac with Ventura (13.7) and it's perfect for all my needs.

Except for one thing. I need to use for work some specific old software that only run under Mojave (10.14) or earlier. Can't use the software above Mojave. What would be the best way and solution for me to run Mojave (10.14) on my iMac?

Could I create a APFS volume on my iMac then install Mojave on that volume and then boot in Mojave when needed? That's a possibility or installing earlier macOS like Mojave on a APFS volume is not possible or a recipe for disaster on my iMac?

Any other idea maybe?

Thanks alot for your time!

P.

Yes, an additional APFS volume is Apple’s recommended way of doing this.

Use more than one version of macOS on Mac - Apple Support

If you install a compatible macOS on an additional internal or external storage volume, your Mac can start up from either volume.

support.apple.com

Before you do anything, though, make sure you have a good backup of all your data in case something goes wrong in the process.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Yep, I indeed considered and looked for a software replacement and equivalent, doesn't exist unfortunate that's why I'm looking for a solution so I can go to the source and use the real thing.

Never heard of Parallels, I'll look for it. Thanks for the suggestion.

So creating a APFS volume on my iMac to install Mojave on it isn't the way route I suppose?

New volume is fine, assuming Mojave is supported on the computer. But it’ll be an entire reboot (you’re running Ventura and only Ventura, or Mojave and only Mojave). With Parallels, you’re running both at once - so you can be in your Mojave software doing whatever, and can answer an email or what-not in Ventura without the whole shut-down-and-reboot. Plus, Parallels will continue to work even if you replace your 2017 with something more modern.

 

[chrfr]

Virtualizing macOS on Intel just doesn’t work well- graphics acceleration doesn’t work and there’s a significant performance hit.
However, if this is for personal use, VMware Fusion Pro is free and there’s no reason not to use that over Parallels, if performance is sufficient.

 

[Ben J.]

So creating a APFS volume on my iMac to install Mojave on it isn't the way route I suppose?

Too many nervous comments without reason here. There is absolutely nothing to worry about with creating more than one bootable volume on your disk.

Use more than one version of macOS on Mac - Apple Support

If you install a compatible macOS on an additional internal or external storage volume, your Mac can start up from either volume.

support.apple.com

Your mac can run Mohave no problem.
But be backed up, of course.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Virtualizing macOS on Intel just doesn’t work well- graphics acceleration doesn’t work and there’s a significant performance hit.
However, if this is for personal use, VMware Fusion Pro is free and there’s no reason not to use that over Parallels, if performance is sufficient.

Doesn't have to work "Well" it's just supporting a legacy app. Assuming it's not a legacy, like, video editor - in which case, back to suggestion #1 - replace it.

 

[PabloS.]

Thanks alot for all your answers guys, very enlightening.

So far, I'm heading toward the virtual machine via either Parallel or Vmware Fusion. The whole reboot to swap OS could be indeed annoying after some time & being able to swap from one to the virtual other is a huge plus, for my workflow.

Thanks again all, much appreciated 🤜

 

[iMac2019]

you could also take a look at a solution I use : Vbox, which is available on macOS.

Downloads – Oracle VirtualBox

www.virtualbox.org

Keep in mind that by using a VM you have to share resources with the host OS.
In particular, keep an eye on memory consumption and possible swap slowness (in case of insufficient memory)

As mentioned by Virtualizing you have the benefit of having the 2 environments (10.14 and 13.7) running in parallel on an unique machine, with lower performance than with a single version of macOS running

Of course, such limitations do not apply to a startup on either one of the two macOS versions (10.14 or 13.7 alternatively reboots)