RStudio on Older Macs

This guide is for students running older macOS versions who run into crashes or compatibility problems when using RStudio.

Step 1 — Identify Your macOS Version

Click the Apple menu → About This Mac, and note your macOS version (e.g., 10.15, 11, 12).

Step 2 — Use the Correct RStudio for Your macOS

macOS Version Recommended RStudio Version
12 (Ventura) or newer RStudio 2024.09.1+394 or later (Posit Docs)
11 (Big Sur) RStudio 2023.09.1+494 (Posit Docs)
10.15 (Catalina) RStudio 2022.07.2+576 (Posit Docs)

👉 Download older builds from Posit’s “previous versions” page.

Step 3 — Install a Supported R Version

Older Macs often crash with R 4.5.x inside RStudio. Choose a more stable option:

  • R 4.5.0 (released April 11, 2025): may be safe if needed (CRAN download).
  • R 4.4.3 or 4.4.1: safest bets. Both are available in CRAN’s macOS directory.

Where to find them:

Step 4 — Do the 60-Second Console Check

Open Terminal, type:

R
1+1
  • If it prints 2, R is working fine.
  • Next, open RStudio and try again.
  • If RStudio crashes immediately or while typing → it’s a compatibility issue between R and RStudio.

Step 5 — If it Still Crashes

  • Downgrade R to 4.4.3 or 4.4.1.

  • If you must keep R 4.5.x, use an older RStudio version (see table above).

  • Still stuck?

    • Clear RStudio’s user state (e.g., delete ~/.config/rstudio).
    • Disable GPU rendering under Preferences → General → Advanced.

TL;DR: Nerdy Survival Guide

  1. Check your macOS → map it to an RStudio version.
  2. Install a stable R (4.4.x is safest).
  3. Test in Terminal. If it works there but not in RStudio → compatibility bug.
  4. Downgrade R or RStudio if needed.
  5. Clean RStudio’s settings or turn off GPU if stubborn.

💡 Translation: “R works, RStudio doesn’t? Time-travel one version back—either R or RStudio.”