Frequent question: How do I reinstall Mac OS without losing data?

Does macOS reinstall delete data?

macOS Reinstallation Deletes Everything, What Can I Do



Reinstalling macOS of macOS Recovery can help you replace the current problematic OS with a clean version quickly and easily. Technically speaking, simply reinstalling macOS won’t erase your disk either delete files.

How do I do a fresh install of OSX?

Erase and reinstall macOS

  1. Start up your computer in macOS Recovery: …
  2. In the Recovery app window, select Disk Utility, then click Continue.
  3. In Disk Utility, select the volume you want to erase in the sidebar, then click Erase in the toolbar.

What happens if you reinstall macOS?

2 Answers. It does exactly what it says it does–reinstalls macOS itself. It only touches operating system files that are there in a default configuration, so any preference files, documents and applications that are either changed or not there in the default installer are simply left alone.

How do I reimage my Mac?

Restart your Mac. While the startup disc is waking up, hold down the Command+R keys simultaneously. You’re Mac will boot into macOS Recover. Click on Reinstall macOS (or Reinstall OS X where applicable) to reinstall the operating system that came with your Mac.

Will reinstalling macOS fix problems?

However, reinstalling OS X isn’t a universal balm that fixes all hardware and software errors. If your iMac has contracted a virus, or a system file that was installed by an application “goes rogue” from data corruption, reinstalling OS X likely won’t solve the problem, and you’ll be back to square one.

Where is macOS recovery stored?

This recovery system is stored on a hidden partition on your Mac’s hard drive — but what if something happens to your hard drive? Well, if your Mac can’t find the recovery partition but it’s connected to the Internet via either Wi-Fi or a network cable, it’ll start the OS X Internet Recovery Feature.

How do I do a fresh install of OSX Catalina?

How to Clean Install MacOS Catalina

  1. Complete a full Time Machine backup before beginning – do not skip making a full backup.
  2. Connect the MacOS Catalina installer drive to the Macs USB port.
  3. Reboot the computer.

How do I reinstall macOS from USB?

Simply plug your created USB drive into an open USB port on your Mac. Power on the system, or restart it if it’s already on. Immediately press and hold the Option (Alt) key on your keyboard when it starts booting. You should now see an option to select your USB drive as a startup disk.

How long does macOS reinstall take?

Depends on what kind of Mac you have and method of install. Typically, if you have a stock 5400 rpm drive, it takes about 30 – 45 minutes using a USB installer. If you are using the internet recovery route, it can take over an hour, depending on speed of internet etc.

How long does macOS reinstall take?

macOS generally takes 30 to 45 minutes to install. That’s it. It doesn’t “take so long” to install macOS. Anyone making this claim has clearly never installed Windows, which not only generally takes over an hour, but includes multiple restarts and babysitting to get to completion.

How long does it take for Mac Internet recovery?

Depending on your Internet connection, this may take anywhere from a couple of minutes to up to an hour, or longer. Connect your Mac to the power adapter so that it doesn’t run out of juice whilst it’s loading Internet Recovery from Apple’s servers. 6) If all goes well, you’ll see the macOS Utilities window.

Why is my Mac starting Internet recovery?

This might be due to damage to the drive or a more serious error in your system. If your computer is unable to access normal Recovery Mode, it will automatically begin Internet Recovery. If you have a working recovery partition, you will not be able to access internet Recovery Mode.

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