How to Install or Reinstall macOS
Installing or reinstalling macOS can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a fairly simple process. Whether you want to update your existing macOS or start from scratch, this guide will take you through the necessary steps to get the job done.
Before starting the installation process, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your data by backing up your files. You can either use an external hard drive or cloud-based services like iCloud or Dropbox.
Now that you have your backup, let’s dive into the installation process.
Step 1: Check Compatibility
The first step to installing or reinstalling macOS is to check if your Mac is compatible with the latest version of the operating system. Visit the Apple website to check the system requirements for the latest version of macOS. If your Mac does not meet these requirements, you may need to install an older version of macOS.
Step 2: Download the macOS Installer
Once you have confirmed that your Mac meets the system requirements, you can download the macOS installer from the Mac App Store. Search for the latest version of macOS and click the download button. The installer will be saved to your Applications folder.
Step 3: Create Bootable Drive
The next step is to create a bootable drive with the installer. This is necessary when you want to reinstall macOS from scratch or when you need to troubleshoot problems. You can create a bootable drive by using either of the following methods:
a) Create a bootable drive using a USB flash drive or an SD card
To create a bootable drive, you can download the Install Disk Creator app from the internet. Use the app to create a bootable drive using the USB flash drive or SD card.
b) Create a bootable drive using the Terminal app
You can also create a bootable drive using the Terminal app. Connect your USB flash drive or SD card to your Mac and enter the following commands in the Terminal app:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/MyVolume
Note: Replace “MyVolume” with the name of the USB flash or SD card that you want to use as the bootable drive.
Step 4: Boot from the Bootable Drive
The next step is to boot your Mac from the bootable drive. To do this, restart your Mac and hold down the Option key as it boots up. Your Mac will display a list of bootable drives. Select the bootable drive that you created earlier.
Step 5: Install macOS
Once you have booted from the bootable drive, the macOS installer will launch. Follow the prompted steps to complete the installation process. During the process, you will be prompted to choose the disk on which to install macOS. Select the disk you want to use for the new installation or the disk where you want to reinstall macOS.
Step 6: Restore Your Files
After completing the installation process, you can restore your data from your backup. This can be done using the Time Machine backup feature or by dragging and dropping files from your external hard drive or cloud-based service.
In conclusion, reinstalling or installing macOS is a simple process if you follow the above steps. Remember to back up your data before starting the installation process and you can always refer to this guide whenever you need to install or reinstall macOS.