Mac users leaving the macOS Golden Gate beta must erase their startup disk and reinstall macOS Tahoe, making a verified backup the most important step. Downgrading isn't as simple as leaving Apple's beta program—turning off beta updates only prevents future builds.

Apple recommends restoring a Time Machine backup made before the beta was installed, as newer backups may contain app data and databases that Golden Gate changed in ways Tahoe can't understand. Before erasing, copy recent documents, project folders, and local libraries to separate storage and verify they open.

In macOS Recovery, select Options, open Disk Utility, erase Macintosh HD as APFS with Erase Volume Group, then choose Reinstall macOS Tahoe. If Recovery keeps offering Golden Gate, create a bootable Tahoe installer on another Mac using a 32GB USB drive.

During Setup Assistant, migrate from the pre-beta Time Machine snapshot, then copy newer files from your archive. Avoid replacing the entire user Library or Applications folder. Re-enable FileVault after setup if desired.