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    1 min read 5 stepsFebruary 2, 2026Verified February 2026

    How to Reinstall macOS

    Reinstall macOS from scratch using macOS Recovery for a clean start.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Mac Guides
    Difficulty
    Advanced
    Read Time
    1 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    advanced
    mac
    reinstall
    recovery
    clean-install

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Back up your data
    2. 2.Enter macOS Recovery
    3. 3.Erase the drive (optional)
    4. 4.Reinstall macOS
    5. 5.Set up your Mac
    1

    Back up your data

    ~15s
    Use Time Machine or copy files to an external drive. A reinstall can erase everything.

    Warning

    A macOS reinstall can erase everything. Always create a full Time Machine backup before starting.

    2

    Enter macOS Recovery

    ~15s
    Restart and hold Cmd+R (Intel) or hold the power button (Apple Silicon) until recovery appears.
    3

    Erase the drive (optional)

    ~15s
    Open Disk Utility from Recovery. Select your main drive and click Erase for a clean install.

    Quick Tip

    If you are selling or giving away your Mac, always erase the drive first. Choose "Erase" and select APFS format.

    4

    Reinstall macOS

    ~15s
    Select "Reinstall macOS" and follow the prompts. This downloads a fresh copy from Apple's servers.
    5

    Set up your Mac

    ~15s
    After reinstall, go through the setup assistant. Restore from Time Machine backup if desired.

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    advanced
    mac
    reinstall
    recovery
    clean-install

    Official Resources

    Apple SupportHow-To Geek — MacApple Support YouTube

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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