Reinstalling macOS from the recovery menu does not erase your data. … To gain access to the disk depends on what model Mac you have. An older Macbook or Macbook Pro likely has a hard drive that is removable, allowing you to connect it externally using an enclosure or cable.
Does installing a new macOS delete everything?
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.
Can I reinstall macOS without losing data?
Option #1: Reinstall macOS without Losing Data From Internet Recovery. Click the Apple icon>Restart. Hold down the key combination: Command+R, you will see the Apple logo. Then choose “Reinstall macOS Big Sur” from utilities window and click “Continue”.
Does Mac delete old OS?
No, they aren’t. If it’s a regular update, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s been a while since I remember there was an OS X “archive and install” option, and in any case you would need to select it. Once it’s done it should free up the space of any old components.
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.
Will Mac Internet recovery delete my files?
No, doing an Internet Recovery will not erase your hard drive (unless you explicitly choose do to that using Disk Utility ). It will only reinstall the OS for you.
How do I reinstall OSX and keep files?
macOS Recovery keeps your files and user settings intact when reinstalling.
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Reinstall macOS
- Install the latest version of macOS compatible with your computer: Press and hold Option-Command-R.
- Reinstall your computer’s original version of macOS (including available updates): Press and hold Shift-Option-Command-R.
How do I reinstall Catalina on my Mac?
The correct way to reinstall macOS Catalina is to use your Mac’s Recovery Mode:
- Restart your Mac and then hold down ⌘ + R to activate Recovery Mode.
- In the first window, select Reinstall macOS ➙ Continue.
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions.
- Select the hard drive you’d like to reinstall mac OS Catalina to and click Install.
What happens if you delete Mac OS?
It is safe to delete, you will just be unable to install macOS Sierra until you re-download the installer from the Mac AppStore. Nothing at all except you would have to download it again if you ever need it. After install, the file would usually be deleted anyway, unless you move it to another location.
Is it OK to delete old Time Machine backups?
Delete Old Backups
Don’t. You have no idea what you’ll be deleting, and you’ll likely corrupt the entire Time Machine backup, rendering it useless. Instead, use a utility like GrandPerspective or OmniDiskSweeper to identify folders or files that are both large and unnecessary.
How do I clean up unused files on my Mac?
Here’s how to clean junk files on Mac and remove user cache:
- Open Finder.
- Press Command+Shift+G.
- Enter the following command into the field and select Go: ~/Library/Caches .
- In the window that appears, you will see all your cache files.
- Press Command+A to select all files and delete them.