Reinstall Mac OS X

Reset MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini & Pro

Today I’ll show you how to reinstall your Mac operating system or reset OS X:

The easiest way to reset or reinstall your Mac is by using the built-in recovery feature. Some of you have probably used this feature before. Here’s how it works:

The recovery function is initiated by holding down the Command (CMD) key and the R key. Both keys must be pressed simultaneously when turning on the Mac. (Note for Apple Silicon The key combination doesn’t work on these devices.

If your Mac isn’t connected to the Internet yet, you’ll need to connect now.

Once the connection is established, a recovery symbol will appear. If you’re already connected to the Internet, the recovery symbol will display immediately.

Now click the Recovery symbol to start the restoration process. 

Note: Only for devices with Apple Silicon M CPU:

Note for Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 devices: Turn on your Mac or open the lid, then hold down the power button until the window with startup options appears. Click the gear icon labeled "Options" and then click "Continue."

In recovery mode:

If you want to keep your data and just do a clean OS install because you suspect there might be an error, you can start the installation right after selecting your language. Just click on reinstall macOS and confirm by clicking Continue.

Next, select the drive where you want to install and confirm again. 

If you want a completely fresh installation without any data, you’ll need to erase the drive first. So, start by clicking on Disk Utility and then confirm by clicking Continue.  

In Disk Utility, select the drive you want to erase in the left column and confirm by clicking Erase.

A window will appear where you can enter a name for the drive.

If everything looks good, confirm deletion here as well.

Once the hard drive is erased, you can close Disk Utility. Just click the red X.

Now the installation can begin, just as described above:

Click Reinstall macOS and confirm by clicking Continue.

Next, select the drive where you want to install and confirm again. 

This guide works for all Macs like MacBook / Pro / Air, Mac Mini, Mac Pro, iMac from 2011 onwards.