Clean Install macOS: How to Do It on Your MacBook Air/Pro?

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.

1. Open MacKeeper and select "Safe Cleanup."
2. Click "Start Scan" to identify junk files.
3. 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:

1. Shut down.
2. Press and hold the power button until "Options" appears.
3. Select "Options" and click "Continue."

Intel Macs:

1. Shut down.
2. Hold Command R while powering on.

In Recovery mode:

1. Select "Disk Utility," then "Continue."
2. Select your startup disk, click "Erase."
3. Name the drive, choose the format (APFS recommended), and click "Erase" or "Erase Volume Group."
4. Click "Done," then quit Disk Utility.
5. Click "Reinstall macOS" and follow the instructions.

2. Bootable USB Drive:

This method allows manual installation of older macOS versions.

1. Format USB drive: Use Disk Utility to format a USB drive (at least 16GB) as "macOS Installer" using "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)."

2. Download macOS installer: Download the desired installer from the App Store.

3. Create bootable USB: Use Terminal (command provided, adjust for your installer name) or Disk Drill.

4. Erase startup drive: Boot into Recovery mode and erase your startup disk using Disk Utility.

5. Install macOS: Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Erase All Content and Settings (macOS Monterey and later):

1. Open System Settings, then General > Transfer or Reset.
2. Click "Erase All Content and Settings."
3. 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.

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