This guide provides three simple methods for performing a clean macOS reinstall on your Mac, resolving software glitches and performance issues. A clean install erases all data, leaving a fresh macOS copy. This is ideal for resolving system instability, sluggish performance, or before selling your Mac.
Before You Begin:
- Back up your data: A clean install deletes everything. Back up important files to an external drive or cloud service.
- Check macOS compatibility: Verify your Mac's compatibility with the desired macOS version on Apple's website.
- Power connection: Connect your MacBook to power; don't attempt this on battery power.
Alternative to Clean Install: MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup
If a full reinstall seems drastic, consider using MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup to remove unnecessary files and free up space. This can improve performance and resolve some issues.
- Open MacKeeper and select "Safe Cleanup."
- Click "Start Scan" to identify junk files.
- Select files for removal and click "Clean Junk Files." Prioritize cleaning caches.
Clean Install Methods:
1. Recovery Mode:
This is the simplest method.
Apple Silicon Macs:
- Shut down.
- Press and hold the power button until "Options" appears.
- Select "Options" and click "Continue."
Intel Macs:
- Shut down.
- Hold
Command Rwhile powering on.
In Recovery mode:
- Select "Disk Utility," then "Continue."
- Select your startup disk, click "Erase."
- Name the drive, choose the format (APFS recommended), and click "Erase" or "Erase Volume Group."
- Click "Done," then quit Disk Utility.
- Click "Reinstall macOS" and follow the instructions.
2. Bootable USB Drive:
This method allows manual installation of older macOS versions.
- Format USB drive: Use Disk Utility to format a USB drive (at least 16GB) as "macOS Installer" using "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)."
-
Download macOS installer: Download the desired installer from the App Store.
-
Create bootable USB: Use Terminal (command provided, adjust for your installer name) or Disk Drill.
- Erase startup drive: Boot into Recovery mode and erase your startup disk using Disk Utility.
- Install macOS: Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Erase All Content and Settings (macOS Monterey and later):
- Open System Settings, then General > Transfer or Reset.
- Click "Erase All Content and Settings."
- Enter your password, click "Unlock" and "Continue." Follow the instructions.
Conclusion:
Choose the method that best suits your needs and Mac model. Remember to back up your data beforehand. MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup offers a less drastic solution for resolving some performance issues before resorting to a clean install.
The above is the detailed content of Clean Install macOS: How to Do It on Your MacBook Air/Pro?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!
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