How to Factory Reset a Mac and Install a Fresh Copy of macOS

For users seeking a clean slate with their Mac, performing a factory reset and installing a fresh copy of macOS can be an effective solution. This guide will walk you through the steps required to achieve this without losing important system information, ensuring your Mac is as good as new.

Why Reset Your Mac?

Maybe you're experiencing system issues, or perhaps you simply want to start afresh. Regardless of the reason, resetting your Mac and installing a fresh copy of macOS is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. This method ensures your Mac runs efficiently and provides a clean, customizable environment for your next projects and applications.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Back Up Your Data

Before making any changes to your Mac, it's crucial to back up your data. This includes important documents, photos, videos, and any other files you might need.

Use built-in solutions like Time Machine to create a backup of your files. Alternatively, manually copy your important files to an external drive.

2. Restart in Recovery Mode

Shut down your Mac completely. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the Command (?) R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.

3. Erase Your Hard Drive

Once in Recovery Mode, open the macOS Utilities window. Select Disk Utility and click Continue if prompted. Choose your startup disk; it will typically be named Macintosh HD. Select the Erase button. For newer Macs, choose the format APFS; for older Macs, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Name the disk (you can keep it as Macintosh HD). Click Erase, and wait for the process to complete.

4. Reinstall macOS

After the hard drive is erased, go back to the macOS Utilities window. Select Reinstall macOS and click Continue. Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS. You may need to connect to Wi-Fi if prompted. Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet during the installation process as it may need to download the macOS version. Select your newly erased disk as the installation destination.

5. Complete the Setup

Once the installation is complete, your Mac will restart and display the setup assistant. Follow the prompts to set up your Mac as new or choose to migrate data from a backup if you have one.

Additional Notes

If you own an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, etc.), the process remains largely the same. However, you can access Recovery Mode by turning off the Mac and holding the power button until you see Control.

Remember, this method preserves your system's customization and application settings, ensuring your Mac is as good as new while maintaining all your personal data.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can factory reset your Mac and perform a fresh install of macOS. This process is particularly useful for users who want to start with a clean slate or address system issues. Ensure you back up your data to avoid losing any important files and follow the on-screen instructions carefully to complete the setup successfully.