How to Use a Bootable USB Drive to Reinstall macOS

Published on Feb 21, 2025

How to Use a Bootable USB Drive to Reinstall macOS

1. Overview of Bootable USB Drive for macOS Reinstallation

Reinstalling macOS can be an essential step when your system starts facing issues, from slow performance to software bugs. A bootable USB drive is an incredibly useful tool to have in your tech arsenal for this purpose. It allows you to easily reinstall macOS without needing a working operating system on your computer. This process is especially useful if your Mac's internal drive is having trouble or is completely wiped. In this guide, we will walk you through how to create and use a bootable USB drive to reinstall macOS.

2. What You Need to Create a Bootable USB Drive

Before getting started with creating your bootable USB drive, you need to gather a few important items. Here's what you'll need:

  • A USB Drive: You will need a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage. The drive should be empty, as the process will erase its contents.
  • macOS Installer: You can download the latest macOS installer from the Mac App Store. Ensure you're downloading the version that suits your Mac model.
  • Access to a Working Mac: You will need a working Mac to download the installer and create the bootable drive.
  • A Terminal App: Terminal will be used to execute the commands needed to create the bootable USB drive.

Once you have these requirements ready, you’re set to begin creating the bootable USB drive for macOS reinstallation.

3. Creating the Bootable USB Drive for macOS

The process of creating a bootable USB drive involves using a macOS installer and a few Terminal commands. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Download macOS Installer: Head to the Mac App Store and search for the latest macOS version you want to install (e.g., macOS Monterey or macOS Ventura). Download the installer and it will appear in your Applications folder.
  2. Format the USB Drive: Insert your USB drive into the Mac. Open Disk Utility, select the USB drive, and choose Erase. Format it as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID Partition Map.
  3. Use Terminal to Create the Bootable Drive: Open the Terminal application and enter the following command, adjusting the name of your installer and USB drive accordingly:
sudo /Applications/Install macOS [name of macOS].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/[name of USB drive] --nointeraction

This command will begin the process of copying the macOS installer to your USB drive and making it bootable. Once the process is complete, your USB drive is ready for use as a macOS installation drive.

4. Reinstalling macOS Using the Bootable USB Drive

Now that you have your bootable USB drive ready, it’s time to use it to reinstall macOS on your target Mac. Follow these steps:

  1. Shut Down Your Mac: Power off the Mac you want to reinstall macOS on.
  2. Insert the Bootable USB Drive: Plug your bootable USB drive into the Mac.
  3. Boot from USB: Power on the Mac and immediately press and hold the Option (Alt) key. This will take you to the Startup Manager. Select the bootable USB drive to begin the installation process.
  4. Install macOS: Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS. You can choose to erase the Mac's internal drive or simply install macOS over the existing system.

Once the installation begins, the process may take some time, depending on the speed of your Mac and the size of the macOS version. Once complete, your Mac will restart, and you can go through the setup process to get back to using your system.

5. Troubleshooting Tips During Installation

While reinstalling macOS from a bootable USB drive is generally straightforward, issues may arise. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Installer Doesn't Appear in Startup Manager: Ensure that your USB drive is properly formatted and contains the macOS installer. If it doesn’t show up, try reformatting and creating the bootable drive again.
  • Installation Process Freezes: If the installation gets stuck, restart the Mac and try again. If the issue persists, consider downloading the macOS installer again and recreating the bootable USB drive.
  • Incompatible macOS Version: Double-check that the version of macOS you're trying to install is compatible with your Mac's hardware.

These tips should help you troubleshoot common issues during the macOS reinstallation process. If problems persist, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for assistance might be necessary.

Computer Repair Near Me​

Recommended

Why Is My Computer Making Loud Fan Noises? – Causes and Fixes

Discover why your computer is making loud fan noises and learn how to fix it. Explore common causes such as overheating, dust buildup, and other hardware issues, along with effective solutions.

Aug 17, 2025
Why Is My Computer Making Loud Fan Noises? – Causes and Fixes

How to Remove a Virus From Your Computer Without Losing Data

Learn how to safely remove a virus from your computer without losing any data. Follow these steps to protect your data and ensure a clean and healthy system.

Aug 11, 2025
How to Remove a Virus From Your Computer Without Losing Data

How to Build a Custom Gaming PC – Beginner’s Guide

Learn how to build a custom gaming PC with this beginner’s guide. Step-by-step instructions for choosing components, assembling your PC, and setting up for the best gaming experience. Visit Computer Repair for expert advice and products.

Aug 10, 2025
How to Build a Custom Gaming PC – Beginner’s Guide

How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 10 and 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to recover deleted files on Windows 10 and 11 using simple and effective methods. Follow our step-by-step guide to restore your lost files today.

Aug 09, 2025
How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 10 and 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clone a Hard Drive to SSD – Full Migration Guide

Learn how to clone a hard drive to an SSD with our comprehensive migration guide. Step-by-step instructions for a smooth and successful hard drive to SSD transition.

Aug 08, 2025
How to Clone a Hard Drive to SSD – Full Migration Guide

How to Fix Common Windows Update Errors Quickly and Effectively

Struggling with Windows update errors? Learn how to fix common problems and ensure your system stays up to date. Explore troubleshooting tips and solutions for smooth updates on your Windows device.

Aug 07, 2025
How to Fix Common Windows Update Errors Quickly and Effectively

Related Categories