This is how to perform a clean install of macOS Sierra. We’ll explain how to create a bootable macOS Sierra installer on USB and why you might want to do a clean install of macOS Sierra.
Apple changed the name of OS X to macOS this year. We’ll cover performing a clean install of macOS Sierra from OS X El Capitan, but it will also work if you’re coming from an older version of OS X.
Most users only need to upgrade to macOS Sierras, but a clean install is a good idea on OS X El Capitan if you have a slow Mac or have lots of files and apps that you want to delete for a fresh start.
Installing and Updating macOS Sierra Clean
Here’s how to wipe your Mac for a clean install of macOS Sierra.
Performing a clean install of macOS Sierra means wiping your Mac and starting from scratch. Anything you don’t back up will be lost with no way of recovering it on your own.
A regular macOS Sierra update installs right on top of OS X El Capitan and keeps all your files and apps in place so you don’t lose anything.
Whichever option you choose, we recommend that you have an up-to-date Time Machine backup to keep your data safe.
What You Need to Perform a Clean Install of macOS Sierra
Make sure your Mac can run macOS Sierra then you will need the following items.
- Download the macOS Sierra installer from the App Store.
- A 16GB Flash Drive that you can erase.
- USB C Adapter if you have a MacBook
- Time Machine Backup
You’ll need to download the macOS Sierra installer from the Mac App Store when it arrives September 20.
How to Make macOS Sierra Installer on USB
After downloading the macOS Sierra installer, don’t go ahead and install macOS Sierra. Instead, you should close the file and continue creating a bootable macOS Sierra installation drive.
Make sure your USB drive is named “Untitled”. To do this Open Finder, right-click on the USB drive name on the left and then select Rename.
A bootable macOS Sierra installer USB drive with Terminal or Install Disc Creator. The Install Disk Creator file is free and this is the easier option for most users.
To use Install Disk Creator, . Let the app run if prompted.
What we call anonymous. Click on your new download at the beginning of this guide. Now . Enter your password if prompted. Wait until this is complete.
You can also use Terminal to make a bootable macOS Sierra Installer. If you are not experienced with terminal, we recommend using the above utility.
You now have a bootable macOS Sierra installer on USB that you can use to perform a clean install of macOS Sierra.
Perform a clean install of macOS Sierra
Now that you’re ready, it’s time to perform a clean install of macOS Sierra.
Start a clean install of macOS Sierra.
to your Mac. . Now and .
Click Install macOS Sierra USB driver on the right of the screen. Click Up Arrow.
Now you will need to wipe your hard drive to perform a clean install of macOS Sierra. To do this, choose Utilities -> Disk Utility from the menu bar.
Erase your Mac hard drive.
Click on your hard drive, normally . Click it and then make sure you choose it as the format.
Name the hard drive, we recommend. Later .
Start a clean install of macOS Sierra.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to install macOS Sierra on your blank hard drive. You should see an installer screen with Continue at the bottom. Click on it and follow the onscreen instructions to complete your clean macOS Sierra installation.
