Common macOS Ventura problems and how to fix them

Apple released macOS Ventura at the end of October 2022, which brings some interesting features as well as some new problems. If you’re having trouble after upgrading from macOS Monterey to Ventura, here are some solutions that might help.

AirDrop doesn’t work

AirDrop is a fantastic feature when it works and incredibly frustrating when it doesn’t. A macOS update sometimes causes AirDrop problems. Luckily, a few simple tips can usually fix the problem. The simplest solution is to open Control Center and turn AirDrop off and on again. You can also try switching between “Contacts only” and “Everyone”.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to restart Finder. Sounds like an extreme solution if you’ve never done this before, but it’s quick and painless. Just open the Apple menu and choose Force Quit, then choose Finder from the list and click the Relaunch button. A warning is displayed that unsaved changes will be lost. So make sure you save any open documents first.

Quick View doesn’t work

You can restart Finder to start afresh.

Quick Look is another feature that may be broken after updating to macOS Ventura. This is the handy thumbnail of the current file that appears when you tap the spacebar. Press the spacebar again to close the preview. It’s a brilliant time saver that works in the Finder and also in most file browser windows in other apps.

You might not realize how great Quick Look is until it stops working. The Finder relaunch described above often solves the problem. You can also open the Force Quit window with a keyboard shortcut, Command + Option + Escape.

It sounds like a cliché, but restarting your Mac could also fix this problem. There’s a reason why the recommendation to restart is so commonly heard by computer experts. Restarting your computer is a good idea and can solve many ongoing problems that may be difficult to solve.

battery consumption

macOS Ventura offers options to extend battery life or maximize performance

With any new operating system, background processing takes at least several hours and sometimes takes days to finish updating and indexing various files. That means the extra work might make your MacBook feel a bit sluggish and you’ll likely need to charge it more often.

Most Apple Silicon MacBook models still have enough battery life to get you through your workday without having to stay plugged in, but you can reduce power consumption by switching to sleep mode.

The most powerful MacBook model, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Max processor, has an option for High Power mode. When this is enabled, your laptop will not save power. If macOS Ventura cuts your runtime too short, switching this to Automatic or even Low Performance helps.

How to downgrade to Monterey

A MacBook's Touch ID sensor doubles as a power button

One of the most common discussions on the Apple forums about macOS Ventura is how to restore the previous operating system. It’s not like there are any major issues with macOS Ventura, but if one or more of your critical apps doesn’t work with Ventura, you might be tempted to downgrade to Monterey, the previous version of macOS.

The app or apps not working now might get updates soon so you should check with developer if beta version is available or ventura version is coming soon. If you absolutely must replace macOS Ventura with Monterey, it’s possible and relatively easy.

If you have a recently released Mac, chances are it has an Apple Silicon processor. This makes the downgrade relatively easy. Just turn off your Mac, then press and hold the power button to turn it back on. Press and hold the power button until the boot options screen appears. Choose options and then reinstall Monterey.

You can use the Apple menu to shut down a Mac.

On an Intel Mac, the process is similar. They turn off and on again and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo or other image. Either way, you’ll want to make sure your drive is backed up and has reliable power to keep your Mac running during the macOS update.

If you haven’t updated yet and are concerned about these issues, keep in mind that most users have few or no concerns about macOS Ventura. It’s been a pretty solid release even in beta testing, and it’s been out for a few months and has had two updates already.

What’s new in Ventura?

A MacBook Pro M2 sits on a wooden table with a beautiful bokeh background.

Some of the most interesting updates included in macOS Ventura include the amazing new Stage Manager option for multitasking and the Freeform app, which offers an infinite canvas to share with others.

With Continuity Camera, you can use your iPhone as a premium webcam. Speaking of integration, FaceTime can now use Handoff to move a call from your Mac to your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to continue a conversation while staying mobile.

There are dozens of other great features, and the latest version of macOS generally offers the best privacy and protection against cyberattacks. If you haven’t already updated to macOS Ventura, check out our guide to quickly and easily update your Mac.

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