Step 5: For the Scheme, choose GUID Partition Table. If your current macOS version is older than these, select the macOS Extended (Journaled) format. Step 4: If your current macOS version is Catalina, Mojave, Big Sur, or (in most cases) High Sierra, select the format APFS. For Macs that have Catalina or any operating system that came after Catalina, you’ll be required to delete the following two volumes:įirst, delete Macintosh HD-Data. For Macs with any operating system older than Catalina, simply delete the volume titled Macintosh HD. If you do not plan to wipe your disk, pause here and move on to Step 8. For those wiping their disk, navigate to “Disk Utility” and then click “Continue”. Step 2: You’ll see the macOS Utilities window open. *Hold the power button until you see a startup window appear with options available, and click “Options” and then “Continue”.

As soon as you hear your computer start to come back on, press and hold down one of the following key combinations:

This will shut down your computer and immediately start it back up again. To do this, navigate to the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, and click “Restart…”. Step 1: Start by entering Recovery mode on your Mac. Please note that if you prefer to install the latest compatible version of macOS or alternatively, the first version of macOS that originally came with your Mac, you should search for those specific instructions. The following instructions will help you reinstall the latest macOS version that’s been installed on your Mac. Backups can be performed using either a separate hard drive or the cloud.īefore Your Begin: Which macOS Version Do You Want Reinstalled? That way, in the event of an error, you can be sure your private documents, pictures, and more will remain safe. Important: Should You Back Up Your Data Before Reinstalling macOS?Įven if you’ll be keeping your computer in your possession and won’t be wiping data, it’s always a good idea to back up your Mac before reinstalling macOS. Here’s how to go about reinstalling macOS on your computer using Recovery mode and macOS Utilities. In this case, you’ll want to remove your personal data and conduct a factory reset before your Mac leaves your possession. A new install may also be useful if you have plans to give away or sell your Mac. If your Mac has been having problems or behaving erratically as of late, it might be time for a fresh install of macOS using Recovery mode and Disk Utility.

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