Apple released macOS Ventura in late October 2022, bringing several cool features along with a few new issues. If you’re having trouble after upgrading from macOS Monterey to Ventura, here are some solutions that might help.
AirDrop not working
AirDrop is a fantastic feature when it works and incredibly frustrating when it doesn’t. A macOS update sometimes causes AirDrop issues. Fortunately, a few simple tips can usually correct the problem. The easiest solution is to open Control Center and disable and re-enable AirDrop. You can also try switching between Contacts Only and Everyone.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to relaunch Finder. If you’ve never done this before, this sounds like an extreme solution, but it’s quick and painless. Just open the Apple menu and select Force Quit, then choose Finder from the list and hit the Relaunch button. There will be a warning about losing unsaved changes, so be sure to save any open documents first.
Quicklook not working
Another feature that might crash after updating to macOS Ventura is Quick Look. This is the handy preview image of the current file that appears when you press the spacebar. Press the spacebar again to close the preview. It’s a great timesaver that works in Finder and also in most file browser windows inside other apps.
You might not realize how awesome Quick Look is until it stops working. Relaunching the Finder described above will often fix the problem. You can also open the Force Quit window with a Command + Option + Esc key combination.
It sounds like a cliche, but restarting your Mac might also fix this problem. There’s a reason the restart recommendation is heard so often by computer experts. Giving your computer a fresh start is a good idea and can fix many lingering issues that might be hard to figure out.
Battery drain
With each new operating system, some background processing takes at least several hours and sometimes takes days to complete updating and indexing various files. This means that your MacBook may feel a bit sluggish from the extra work, and you’ll probably need to charge it more often.
Most Apple Silicon MacBook models will still have enough battery life to get you through your workday without needing to stay plugged in, but you can reduce power consumption by switching to low power mode.
On the most powerful MacBook model, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Max processor, there is an option for High Power Mode. When this option is enabled, your laptop will not save power. If macOS Ventura cuts your runtime too much, switching it to Automatic or even Low Power will help.
How to downgrade in Monterey
One of the most common Apple forum discussions on macOS Ventura is how to restore the previous operating system. It’s not that there are major issues with macOS Ventura, but if one or more of your critical apps aren’t working with Ventura, you might be tempted to downgrade to Monterey, the previous version of macOS.
The currently not working app or apps might receive updates soon, so you can check with the developer if a beta is available or if the Ventura version is coming soon. If you absolutely must replace macOS Ventura with Monterey, it is possible and relatively easy.
If you have a recently released Mac, it probably has an Apple Silicon processor. This makes downgrading relatively simple. Simply turn off your Mac, then press and hold the power button to turn it back on. Hold down the power button until you see the boot options screen. Choose Choice then reinstall Monterey.
On an Intel Mac, the process is similar. You turn off and on again now Command + R until you see the Apple logo or another image. Either way, you need to make sure your drive is backed up and your power supply is reliable to keep your Mac running during the macOS update.
If you haven’t updated yet and are concerned about these issues, it’s important to keep in mind that most people have little to no issues with macOS Ventura. It was a pretty solid build even in beta testing and it’s been available for a few months and already had two updates.
What’s New in Ventura?
Among the coolest updates included with macOS Ventura are the intriguing new Stage Manager option for multitasking and the Freeform app that provides an infinite canvas that can be shared with others.
Continuity Camera lets you use your iPhone as a premium webcam. Speaking of integration, FaceTime can now use Handoff to transfer a call from your Mac to your iPhone or iPad, so you can carry on a conversation while on the move.
There are dozens of other great features, and the latest version of macOS usually offers the most privacy and protection against cyberattacks. If you haven’t yet upgraded to macOS Ventura, check out our guide to updating your Mac quickly and easily.
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