Are you looking to install macOS on your Mac, but don’t have the installation disc? Or perhaps you want to create a bootable USB drive to install macOS on multiple Macs? Whatever your reason, you’re in luck because installing macOS from a USB is a relatively straightforward process. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to create a bootable USB drive and install macOS on your Mac.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process, make sure you have the following:
- A Mac with a USB port (obviously!)
- A USB drive with at least 16GB of free space (the more, the merrier)
- The macOS installation files (we’ll get to that in a minute)
- A computer with internet access (to download the installation files)
Downloading the macOS Installation Files
To download the macOS installation files, follow these steps:
- Go to the Mac App Store and search for “macOS” (or the specific version of macOS you want to install, such as “macOS High Sierra”)
- Click on the “Get” button to start the download
- Once the download is complete, the installation files will be saved to your Applications folder
What If I Don’t Have the Mac App Store?
If you don’t have the Mac App Store, you can download the macOS installation files from Apple’s website. Here’s how:
- Go to Apple’s website and click on the “Support” tab
- Click on “Downloads” and select “macOS”
- Choose the version of macOS you want to install and click on the “Download” button
Creating a Bootable USB Drive
Now that you have the macOS installation files, it’s time to create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how:
- Insert your USB drive into your Mac
- Open the Disk Utility app (you can find it in the Applications/Utilities folder)
- Select your USB drive from the list of available disks
- Click on the “Erase” button to format your USB drive
- Select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” as the format type
- Click on the “Erase” button to confirm
Using the Terminal App
Alternatively, you can use the Terminal app to create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how:
- Open the Terminal app (you can find it in the Applications/Utilities folder)
- Type the following command:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyUSB --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app --nointeraction - Replace “MyUSB” with the name of your USB drive
- Press Enter to run the command
What If I Get an Error Message?
If you get an error message while trying to create a bootable USB drive, don’t panic! Here are some common error messages and their solutions:
- “The disk you inserted is not readable by this computer”: Make sure your USB drive is properly formatted and try again.
- “The disk you inserted is not a valid installation disk”: Make sure you have the correct macOS installation files and try again.
Installing macOS from a USB Drive
Now that you have a bootable USB drive, it’s time to install macOS on your Mac. Here’s how:
- Insert your USB drive into your Mac
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Option (⌥) key
- Select your USB drive from the list of available startup disks
- Click on the “Install macOS” button to start the installation process
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
What If I Get Stuck During the Installation Process?
If you get stuck during the installation process, don’t worry! Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- “The installation process is taking too long”: Make sure your Mac is connected to a power source and try again.
- “The installation process is stuck on a particular screen”: Try restarting your Mac and starting the installation process again.
Conclusion
Installing macOS from a USB drive is a relatively straightforward process, but it can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the steps. By following the instructions in this article, you should be able to create a bootable USB drive and install macOS on your Mac with ease. Remember to always back up your data before installing a new operating system, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you encounter any issues during the installation process.
What are the system requirements for installing macOS from a USB?
To install macOS from a USB, your Mac should meet certain system requirements. First, ensure your Mac is compatible with the version of macOS you want to install. You can check the compatibility of your Mac model on the Apple website. Additionally, you’ll need a USB drive with at least 16 GB of free space, a Mac with a USB port, and a stable internet connection.
It’s also essential to note that some older Mac models might not support the latest versions of macOS. In such cases, you might need to install an older version of the operating system. Before proceeding with the installation, make sure to back up your important files and data to an external drive or cloud storage to avoid any potential data loss during the installation process.
How do I create a bootable USB installer for macOS?
To create a bootable USB installer for macOS, you’ll need to download the macOS installation package from the App Store or the Apple website. Once the download is complete, connect your USB drive to your Mac and open the Disk Utility app. Select the USB drive from the list of available disks and click the “Erase” button to format the drive. Then, open the Terminal app and use the “createinstallmedia” command to create the bootable installer.
The process of creating a bootable USB installer may take some time, depending on the speed of your internet connection and the USB drive. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any errors during the process. If you encounter any issues, you can try restarting the process or seeking help from Apple support.
What is the difference between a standard installation and a clean install of macOS?
A standard installation of macOS upgrades your existing operating system to the latest version, preserving your files, settings, and applications. On the other hand, a clean install of macOS erases all data on your Mac and installs a fresh copy of the operating system. A clean install is recommended when you want to start from scratch or resolve issues with your current installation.
Before performing a clean install, make sure to back up your important files and data to an external drive or cloud storage. This will ensure that you don’t lose any critical information during the installation process. Additionally, you may need to reinstall your applications and configure your settings after the clean install is complete.
How do I boot my Mac from the USB installer?
To boot your Mac from the USB installer, restart your Mac and immediately hold down the “Option (⌥)” key. Release the key when you see the boot menu, which should display the USB drive as a boot option. Select the USB drive and press “Enter” to boot from it. Alternatively, you can hold down the “C” key while restarting your Mac to boot directly from the USB drive.
If your Mac doesn’t recognize the USB drive, try restarting your Mac and holding down the “Option (⌥)” key again. Make sure the USB drive is properly connected and the bootable installer is correctly created. If you still encounter issues, you may need to seek help from Apple support or try a different USB drive.
What should I do if my Mac doesn’t recognize the USB installer?
If your Mac doesn’t recognize the USB installer, try restarting your Mac and holding down the “Option (⌥)” key again. Ensure the USB drive is properly connected and the bootable installer is correctly created. You can also try using a different USB port or a different USB drive. If the issue persists, you may need to seek help from Apple support or try a different installation method.
Additionally, you can try checking the USB drive for any errors or issues. You can use the Disk Utility app to verify the integrity of the USB drive and repair any errors. If the issue is with the USB drive, you may need to replace it with a new one.
How long does it take to install macOS from a USB?
The time it takes to install macOS from a USB drive can vary depending on the speed of your Mac, the USB drive, and the internet connection. On average, the installation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. The installation process involves downloading the necessary files, verifying the integrity of the files, and installing the operating system.
During the installation process, your Mac may restart several times, and you may see a progress bar indicating the status of the installation. Make sure to keep your Mac plugged into a power source and avoid interrupting the installation process to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
What should I do after installing macOS from a USB?
After installing macOS from a USB, you’ll need to set up your Mac and configure your settings. You’ll be prompted to select your language, country or region, and other preferences. You’ll also need to agree to the terms and conditions of the software license agreement. Additionally, you may need to reinstall your applications and configure your settings, such as Wi-Fi networks and user accounts.
It’s also essential to ensure that your Mac is up to date with the latest security patches and software updates. You can check for updates in the System Preferences app and install any available updates to keep your Mac secure and running smoothly.