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Have you ever wanted to clean install the latest version of macOS on your Mac? Perhaps you’re experiencing issues with your current macOS version, or maybe you just want a fresh start. Whatever the reason, creating a bootable installer can be a great solution. In this blog post, I will explain the steps to make a bootable installer for Mac.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed?
Before we get started, you will need a few things:
– A USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB
– The macOS installer downloaded from the App Store
– A Mac running macOS High Sierra or later
What Requires Your Focus?
Creating a bootable installer can be a time-consuming process. You will need to pay close attention to the steps to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Additionally, you will need to create a backup of your data on your Mac, as the installation process will erase everything on your hard drive.
Method 1: Use Terminal
1. Connect your USB flash drive to your Mac and open Terminal.
2. Type `sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/Untitled –nointeraction`.
3. Replace "Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app" with the name of the installer you downloaded and "Untitled" with the name of your USB drive.
4. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete, which may take up to an hour.
Pros:
– This method is relatively fast.
– It’s straightforward and requires only a few steps.
Cons:
– If you make any typos in Terminal, it can cause errors.
– This method requires knowledge of Terminal commands.
Method 2: Use Disk Utility
1. Connect your USB flash drive to your Mac and open Disk Utility.
2. Select your USB drive from the sidebar and click on the Erase button.
3. Name your drive something like "macOS Mojave USB" and select "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" as the format.
4. Click on the Erase button and wait for the process to complete.
5. Open the macOS installer and follow the prompts to install macOS on your USB drive.
Pros:
– This method is easy to use and doesn’t require Terminal commands.
– You can visually confirm that you’re erasing the correct drive.
Cons:
– This method takes longer as you need to install macOS on the USB drive.
– There are more steps involved, so there is more room for error.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Software
There are many third-party applications available that can create bootable installers for macOS, such as DiskMaker X and UNetbootin. While this method may be faster and more user-friendly, it does come with some cons:
Pros:
– This method is easy to use and doesn’t require Terminal commands.
– Some software packages automate the process.
Cons:
– You will need to download and install additional software.
– Some software packages may be outdated and not work with the latest macOS versions.
Why Can’t I Make A Bootable Installer For Mac?
1. The installer is incomplete or corrupt.
– To fix this, re-download the installer from the App Store.
2. The USB drive is not formatted correctly.
– Ensure that the USB drive is formatted to "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" and that it has a capacity of at least 8GB.
3. There is not enough storage space on the USB drive.
– Use a different USB drive with more storage space, or remove files from the current drive to make more room.
Implications and Recommendations
Creating a bootable installer can be an effective way to easily install the latest version of macOS on your Mac. However, it’s essential to create a backup of your data before you start the installation process, as everything on your hard drive will be erased. Additionally, you should be aware that creating a bootable installer can be a time-consuming process, so plan accordingly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a CD or DVD instead of a USB drive?
A: No, macOS installers no longer support CD or DVD installations.
Q: Can I use a third-party application to make a bootable installer for macOS?
A: Yes, there are several third-party applications available, but be aware of potential compatibility issues.
Q: Can I use the same USB drive for multiple installers?
A: Yes, but you will need to erase the drive and start fresh each time.
Q: Will creating a bootable installer erase my hard drive?
A: Yes, you will need to create a backup of your data before starting the installation process.
Q: Can I make a bootable installer for an older version of macOS?
A: Yes, as long as you have the installer file downloaded and a compatible USB drive.
In Conclusion
Creating a bootable installer for Mac can be a complex process, but by following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can do it easily. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues with your current macOS version or want a fresh start, creating a bootable installer can be a great solution. Just remember to create a backup of your data before you start the installation process and to pay close attention to the steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Good luck!