How to Clean Install macOS: All You Need to Know

After downloading and installing the latest macOS, you face many choices. You also need to do some urgent cleanups. You can start from scratch with a new macOS installation instead. If you don’t know how to clean install macOS, you may have difficulties.

This article lists key factors for a clean install of macOS. They will help you do it with ease. Also, we will discuss some important issues before you start the macOS clean install.

What do you need to clean install macOS?

There are some factors that go into a clean install of macOS. Before you start the clean installation of macOS, know all the factors. Besides, it will be easier for you to execute the clean install process of macOS on your device. Hence, you should go through the steps listed below.

1. The most important thing to have is a 15GB or larger removable USB flash drive. You will need this to keep the installer file for your preferred version of macOS. The Mac startup requires a clean install, which demands a USB drive. Moreover, if you do not want to clean install macOS, then you don’t need to have it with you.

2. Also, you are about to delete all files on your device. So, back up all your important data before proceeding. And for that, you might need the admin privileges already.

3. Another important thing is the macOS High Sierra installer. Get it from the Mac App Store.

4. Also, the process takes longer. So, set aside at least an hour or two for the clean install.

Method 1: Clean Install macOS on a Startup Drive

When you finish all the recommended steps, you can start a clean install of macOS. You can clean install your macOS on a startup drive, and for that, you need to follow these steps:

Start with a system cleanup

To begin with the process, first you will need to start with a simple system cleanup. Here, you need to remove all the data present in your device that is of least significance to you. Remove all unnecessary files. This includes large, obsolete data, faulty apps, cache, junk files, and duplicate folders.

Step 1: Back up all your important data

Also, back up all your important files. It’s crucial before you clean install macOS on a startup drive. For that, you can use the backup application to store your significant files in a safe place. Also, you can create a bootable clone. It will save your important files in case you lose them during the process. Better yet, it includes a clone drive. It helps you make a duplicate file in your upgraded system. Move vital images and documents to secure cloud storage for safekeeping. Apart from that, you can prepare a safe backup of your Mac as well. Also, you must keep a complete history of license codes for the apps and passwords for the websites you use.

Step 2: Create a bootable macOS installer

Also, you need to create a bootable macOS installer using this method. For that, we recommend that you follow these steps:

1. It is necessary for you to download macOS High Sierra initially from the App Store.

2. Then, you can move to the File and Quit option.

3. Next, you will need to plug in the USB stick. And then you can launch the disk utilities.

4. After that, you need to tap on the Erase tab.

5. Rename your USB stick, and then you can proceed with the erase option.

6. Now, launch the terminal.

7. After that, you should type the following command.

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/[YOUR DRIVE NAME] –application-path /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app

1. Then, you can click on the Return option. Besides, you have to provide the admin password and wait for a moment.

2. Finally, you can quit the terminal.

Method 2: Install macOS on your startup disk drive

This is the second method on how to clean install macOS. To protect your important data, you must first make a backup of your Mac. Use these procedures if you don’t know how to remove the primary drive from your Mac.

1. To begin with the process, you will need to go to System Preferences.

2. Then, you have to select the Startup Disk option. Also, you will need to open the installer that you have recently generated on your device.

3. Next, you need to restart your Mac device. Then, you have to boot your device into Recovery Mode.

4. Now you can use your bootable USB to make a connection to it with your Mac device.

After that, you will need to wait for a moment when you see the macOS Utilities appear on the screen. Then, you can proceed with the following steps:

1. To begin with, you will need to click on the Reinstall button. This will provide you with the latest copy of macOS.

2. Then, you can tap on the Continue option. Next, you need to proceed with another Continue option in the window that appears next.

3. Now, you have to click on Agree to the terms and conditions. And then, you need to choose your Mac’s internal drive.

4. After that, you will need to tap on the Install option.

5. Here, your macOS High Sierra will take a moment to complete the installation process. Then, you can restart your Mac.

6. You need a complete Mac reconfiguration following the reset process. For that, you can connect your device to the Wi-Fi connection and provide the user password. Besides, the system will ask you for more information. You can type in all the necessary details and then set up a new user account.

Method 3: Clean Install macOS High Sierra on a Non-Startup Drive

Here is another method on how to clean install macOS, which you need to follow. Also, you don’t need any backup during this process. Better yet, this particular method has proven to be safer and more convenient for most users. The only thing that you need to have here is an extra drive. So, we recommend that you follow these steps to install the latest macOS on a non-startup drive.

Step 1: Remove your non-startup drive

Follow the steps below to remove your Mac main drive.

Step 2: Download macOS High Sierra from the Mac App Store

This guide explains how to install macOS High Sierra on a drive. This step requires you to download macOS High Sierra from the Mac App Store. Follow these steps to do so.

1. Visit the Mac App Store as your first step. There, you have to navigate to the Updates tab.

2. You can retrieve the installer and start its setup process now. Also, note that you will need to quit it too.

3. Now, you can run the installer using the startup drive. You can achieve a macOS installation and setup. Besides, you do not need any particular bootable drive here.

Step 3: Install macOS High Sierra on your non-startup drive.

Now, you will need to install macOS High Sierra on your non-startup drive. And for that, you can follow these steps:

1. First, launch the installer from the applications folder to start.

2. Then, you can proceed with the continue option.

3. Now, you have to alter the target drive for installation.

4. After that, you can see a macOS startup drive. Here, you need to select the Show All Disks button.

5. Then, you can select your preferred startup disk volume.

6. Next, you need to follow the installation guide.

7. Set up your Mac device as a new one.

8. Here, you have to generate your new user account for the Mac device.

9. After that, you will need a complete setup of your new user account. It is an important to ensure that the date and time area are also set in.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are some most important questions you should be ask them:

1) How do I wipe my Mac and reinstall it?

You can select your startup drive and then switch to the Erase option. Then, move to Mac OS Extended. After that, you need to click on the Format drop-down menu. Proceed with the erase option. Next, you need to quit the Disk Utility app. Then, click on the Reinstall option, and complete the process!

2) How do you clear everything off a Mac?

Start with the Command key and R key, and then you can move to the macOS Utilities. Next, you need to click on the Disk Utility option. Under the hard drive option, you need to select the Erase button. After that, navigate to Mac OS X Extended and then click on Erase.