Learn how to install the Mac operating system on your Mac or an external drive.

Install from the Mac App Store

The easiest way to install macOS is from the App Store app. For example, learn how to install the latest macOS version from the App Store. 

If you're reinstalling because you're preparing to sell or give away your Mac, you should disable certain features and services first, then follow the remaining the steps in this article.


Or install from macOS Recovery

If you don't have the App Store, can't access it, or are selling or giving away your Mac, follow these steps.

Start up from macOS Recovery

  1. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS depending on the key combination you use while starting up. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately hold down one of these combinations:
    Command (⌘)-R

    Install the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac, without upgrading to a later version.*

    Option-Command-R

    Upgrade to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.**

    Shift-Option-Command-R

    Requires macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later     		Install the macOS that came with your Mac, or the version closest to it that is still available. 

    * If you're selling or giving away a Mac that is using OS X El Capitan or earlier, use Command-R to make sure that the installation isn't associated with your Apple ID.

    ** If you haven't already updated to macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later, Option-Command-R installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the version closest to it that is still available.
  2. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
  3. When you see the macOS Utilities window, continue to the next section to determine whether to erase your startup disk or begin installing macOS.
     

Decide whether to erase your startup disk

Decide whether to erase (format) your startup disk before installing macOS. You should erase your startup disk in the following circumstances:
  • You're selling or giving away your Mac, so you're clearing your Mac of anything associated with you, your data, or your Apple ID.
  • You're trying to resolve an issue that Disk Utility can't repair.
  • The macOS installer says that it can't install on your computer or volume. For example, it might say that your startup disk isn't formatted correctly, isn't using a GUID partition scheme, already contains a newer version of the operating system, or can't be used to start up your computer.
If none of the circumstances above apply to you, skip to the next section to install without erasing. Erasing your disk permanently deletes all of the data stored on it. 

If you need to erase your startup disk, follow these steps:

  1. Select Disk Utility from the utilities window of macOS Recovery, then click Continue.
  2. Select your device or volume in the sidebar of Disk Utility.
  3. Click the Erase button or tab.
  4. Complete these fields:
  6. Click Erase to begin erasing your disk.
  7. When done, quit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window. You're now ready to install macOS.


Install macOS

Follow these steps after starting up from macOS Recovery:
  1. Choose Reinstall macOS (or Reinstall OS X) from the utilities window.
  2. Click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions. You'll be asked to select your disk. If you don't see it, click Show All Disks.
    To verify eligibility to install macOS, your Mac serial number is sent to Apple, and you might be asked for your Apple ID.
  3. Click Install. Your Mac restarts after installation is complete.

If you erased your disk before installing, or you installed on an external drive or other new disk, your Mac restarts to a setup assistant.

  • If you're keeping your Mac, complete the setup assistant with your own information.
  • If you're selling or giving away your Mac, press Command-Q to quit the setup assistant without completing the setup steps. Then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.

Choose your new startup disk

If you have more than one disk that contains a compatible macOS installation, you can use Startup Disk preferences or Startup Manager to choose which disk to start up from.

Published Date: Oct 2, 2017