computer. Sometimes, the best solution is to wipe your Mac and reinstall macOS from scratch. This can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing problems with speed, functionality, or storage capacity. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of wiping your Mac and reinstalling macOS from scratch.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before you start the process of wiping your Mac, it’s important to back up any important data you have on it. This can include documents, photos, videos, and any other files that you want to keep. You can do this by using Time Machine or an external hard drive to create a full backup of your files. This is important because wiping your Mac will delete all of your data, including your operating system and personal files.
Step 2: Sign Out of iCloud
If you’re using iCloud, make sure to sign out of your account before wiping your Mac. This will ensure that your iCloud data is not deleted along with your Mac data. To do this, go to the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Apple ID” and select “Overview” from the sidebar. Finally, click on “Sign Out.”
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Once you’ve backed up your data and signed out of iCloud, it’s time to create a bootable USB drive with the latest version of macOS. You can download the macOS installer from the App Store and use a tool like DiskMaker X or Terminal to create the bootable drive. This will ensure that you have the latest version of macOS, which can improve the speed and functionality of your Mac.
Step 4: Restart Your Mac in Recovery Mode
After you’ve created the bootable USB drive, it’s time to restart your Mac in Recovery Mode. To do this, restart your Mac while holding down the Option key. This will bring up the Startup Manager, which allows you to choose the boot device. Select the USB drive you created and press Enter to boot into Recovery Mode.
Step 5: Erase Your Mac
In Recovery Mode, select “Disk Utility” from the menu and choose your Mac’s hard drive. Then, click on “Erase” and select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” as the format. This will erase your entire Mac, including your operating system and personal files. Once the erase process is complete, close Disk Utility to return to the main Recovery Mode menu.
Step 6: Reinstall macOS
Now that your Mac has been wiped, it’s time to reinstall macOS. Select “Reinstall macOS” from the main menu and follow the prompts to install a fresh copy of macOS on your Mac. This can take some time, depending on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the macOS installer.
Step 7: Restore Your Data
After the installation is complete, you can restore your data from the backup you created in Step 1. You can do this during the setup process or by using the Migration Assistant in the Utilities folder. This will bring back all of your personal files and settings, so your Mac will be just like it was before you wiped it.
Conclusion
Wiping your Mac and reinstalling macOS from scratch can be a daunting task, but it’s sometimes necessary to improve the performance and functionality of your computer. By following these steps, you can wipe your Mac and install a fresh copy of macOS without losing any of your important files or data. Remember to always back up your data before starting this process, and sign out of iCloud to avoid losing any important information. With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy a fresh start with your Mac and a renewed sense of productivity
