We recommend backing up files before you do this, just in case, but otherwise you’re ready for step three. Your user accounts and files will stay exactly where they are-only your operating system will be overwritten. If you want to re-install your operating system, but leave your files in place, you can skip this step. RELATED: 8 Mac System Features You Can Access in Recovery Mode Step Two: Securely Wipe Your Hard Drive (Optional)

Once you’ve managed to open up the Recovery Mode in some fashion, we can move on to wiping your drive securely. You can access recovery without a partition using Network Recovery: hold Command+Shift+R while turning on your Mac and it will download the Recovery features for you. Failing that, you can create a bootable USB installer for macOS Sierra, and boot from that by holding “Option” while turning on your Mac. If neither of these options work, don’t panic! You’ve got a couple of options yet. On those devices, hold “Option” while turning your computer on, then select the recovery partition instead. If you think you may still need what is on your hard drive, we advise you to first back it up through Time Machine or by syncing important files to iCloud.If you’re using an older Mac (from 2010 or earlier), there’s a chance that you can’t use Recovery Mode. Here's how to erase your hard drive and reinstall the operating system on your Mac, whether it has Apple's M1 chip or features Intel components.īe aware that once your computer has been reset, you will no longer be able to recover any deleted data that was left on the drive. And with the jump to macOS Monterey, certain computers gain a new option to erase all content and settings. The process has been the same for years on Macs with Intel processers, however, the move to Apple silicon has slightly altered the method for wiping and reinstalling the OS. A factory reset is also the best way to prepare your old computer for a new owner to make sure no leftover data falls into the wrong hands. Before you spend big on a new Mac, though, try a factory reset, which wipes your computer and reinstalls a clean version of macOS. But as with any computer, sometimes things go wrong. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

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