beginner

MacBook macOS reset procedure

A quick and dirty HowTo for preparing laptop for usage.
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About

A quick and dirty HowTo for preparing laptop for usage.

Important

This procedure is used to WIPE all of your data as a means to have a fresh system ready for a new user or yourself for a fresh start.

Requirements

A working WIFI connection.

Whole procedure In a nutshell

  • Boot to reinstall manager
  • Login to WI-FI
  • Erase/re-partition disk
  • Begin reinstall
  • Once done shut down computer / continue with account creation if you intended to use it.

Boot to reinstall manager

Flow

  • Decide which macOS version.
  • Boot to it using specific key combination.

Key combination options

  • Install latest (current) macOS version (currently BigSur)

    Hold “command” + “option” + "R"

  • Install latest macOS version by the time your computer was build (usually High Sierra or Catalina).

    Hold “command” + "R"

Steps

  • Restart or Start from cold boot &
  • Hold the desirable key combination while it's booting.
  • Release the keys once you see "world" image and a loading bar.
  • Login to WI-FI if the option for it is presented.

Wipe data and prepare drives

  • Click on "Disk Utilities".
  • Wipe any/all partitions.
  • If drive is configured to multiple partitions then Erase them all and Create (using + Volume and assign all space - format type should be set to first selection (not encrypted one ..)) a single one.
  • Navigate back to main UI by going 'back' or closing (clicking X) on Disk Utility window.

Install OS

  • Depending upon your key combination during boot, a specific OSX image version will be offered in UI for reinstall.
  • If you are using currently latest OSX version, you may need to re-login to WI-Fi. Do that by clicking on WI-FI icon in right top corner.
  • Accept Terms and invoke the installation.

Conclusion

  • If you've issued reinstall due your own needs, continue with account login etc.
  • If you wiped OSX because you are returning it, just shut down computer once it's completed by using “control” + “option” + “command” + "Power button".

Extra | Advanced

If you have specific needs and need to login without creating a account, you can do so by utilising root procedure. Howto is on link bellow:\ url: http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=2014071314080450