Reinstall Mac OS X

Reset MacBook iMac Mac Mini & Pro

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

The easiest way to reset or reinstall is through the already integrated recovery function on the Mac. Some of you have surely used this function before. Here’s how it works:

The recovery function is initiated by holding down the Command (CMD) key and the R key simultaneously when turning on the Mac. (Note: This key combination does not work on the new M1 devices).

Once the connection is established, a recovery symbol will appear. If an internet connection is already present, the recovery symbol will be displayed immediately.

Now click on the recovery symbol to start the restoration.

Note for devices with Apple M1 CPU only:

Note for Apple M1 devices: Turn on the Mac or open the device and hold down the power button until the window with the startup options appears. Click on the gear icon labeled "Options" and then click "Continue".

In recovery mode:

If you want to keep your data and just reinstall the operating system because you suspect an error, you can start the installation directly after selecting the language. Just click on reinstall macOS and confirm with Continue.

Then select the drive where the installation should go and confirm again.

If you want a completely new installation without any data, the hard drive must be erased first. So first click on the Disk Utility and confirm with Continue.  

In Disk Utility, select the drive to be erased in the left column and confirm with Erase.

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

If everything is correct, confirm with Erase here as well.

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

Now you can start the installation, just as described above:

Click on reinstall macOS and confirm with Continue.

Then select the drive where the installation should go and confirm again.

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