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MacOS is a powerful and versatile operating system that is designed to work seamlessly with the hardware of Apple devices. However, there may come a time when you need to reinstall MacOS on your MacBook Pro, or install a new version altogether. In these cases, you can use a bootable USB drive to perform a clean installation of MacOS. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install MacOS from USB on MacBook Pro.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you begin the process of installing MacOS from USB on MacBook Pro, there are a few things you will need:
1. A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space
2. A MacBook Pro with an Intel processor and at least 2GB of RAM
3. A working internet connection
What Requires Your Focus?
Installing MacOS from USB on MacBook Pro requires attention to detail and focus. You will need to carefully follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure a successful installation. Additionally, you will need to make sure your MacBook Pro is fully charged or connected to a power source throughout the installation process.
Method 1: Use the macOS Installer App
The easiest way to create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS on your MacBook Pro is to use the built-in MacOS Installer app. Here’s how to do it:
1. Download the MacOS installer from the App Store or from Apple’s website.
2. Insert your USB drive into your MacBook Pro.
3. Open Finder and navigate to the "Applications" folder.
4. Right-click on the "Install macOS [version]" app and select "Show Package Contents."
5. Navigate to the "Contents/SharedSupport" folder.
6. Double-click the "InstallESD.dmg" file to mount the disk image.
7. Open Disk Utility and select your USB drive from the list of disks on the left.
8. Click on the "Erase" button and select "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" as the format.
9. Give your USB drive a name (e.g. "MacOS Installer") and click "Erase."
10. Open Terminal and enter the following command: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/[USB Drive Name] –applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [version].app –nointeraction
11. Press "Enter" and enter your administrator password when prompted.
12. Wait for the command to finish creating the bootable USB drive.
13. Once the process is complete, eject the USB drive and you’re ready to use it to install MacOS on your MacBook Pro.
Pros:
– Using the built-in MacOS Installer app is the easiest way to create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS.
– This method is recommended by Apple and is guaranteed to work with your MacBook Pro.
Cons:
– This method can take some time to complete, especially if you have a slow internet connection.
– If you make a mistake during the process, you may need to start over from the beginning.
Method 2: Use Terminal
If you’re comfortable using Terminal, you can also create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS on your MacBook Pro using Terminal. Here’s how to do it:
1. Insert your USB drive into your MacBook Pro.
2. Open Terminal and enter the following command: diskutil list
3. Identify the disk identifier for your USB drive (e.g. disk2).
4. Enter the following command: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/[USB Drive Name] –applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [version].app –nointeraction && say Done
5. Press "Enter" and enter your administrator password when prompted.
6. Wait for the command to finish creating the bootable USB drive.
7. Once the process is complete, eject the USB drive and you’re ready to use it to install MacOS on your MacBook Pro.
Pros:
– Using Terminal gives you more control over the process and allows you to customize certain options.
– This method can be faster than using the MacOS Installer app, especially if you have a fast internet connection.
Cons:
– This method requires more technical knowledge than using the MacOS Installer app.
– If you make a mistake during the process, you may need to start over from the beginning.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App
If you prefer to use a third-party app to create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS on your MacBook Pro, there are several options available. One popular app is DiskMaker X. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and install DiskMaker X.
2. Insert your USB drive into your MacBook Pro.
3. Open DiskMaker X and select the version of MacOS you want to install.
4. Select your USB drive from the list of disks.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the bootable USB drive.
6. Once the process is complete, eject the USB drive and you’re ready to use it to install MacOS on your MacBook Pro.
Pros:
– Using a third-party app can be faster and easier than using Terminal.
– Some apps, like DiskMaker X, offer additional features and customization options.
Cons:
– Some third-party apps may not be compatible with your MacBook Pro or the version of MacOS you want to install.
– Using a third-party app can be less secure than using the built-in MacOS Installer app or Terminal.
Why Can’t I Install MacOS from USB on MacBook Pro?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to install MacOS from USB on your MacBook Pro:
1. Your USB drive is not formatted correctly. Make sure your USB drive is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and is at least 8GB in size.
2. Your MacBook Pro is not compatible with the version of MacOS you want to install. Check the system requirements for the version of MacOS you want to install to make sure your MacBook Pro meets them.
3. Your USB drive is not set up as a bootable device. Follow the steps outlined in this blog post to create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS on your MacBook Pro.
Fixes:
– Reformat your USB drive to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility.
– Make sure your MacBook Pro meets the system requirements for the version of MacOS you want to install.
– Follow the instructions in this blog post to create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS on your MacBook Pro.
Implications and Recommendations
Installing MacOS from USB on MacBook Pro can be a useful and necessary process if you need to perform a clean installation of MacOS or install a new version altogether. However, it’s important to make sure you follow the steps outlined in this guide carefully and ensure your MacBook Pro is fully charged or connected to a power source throughout the installation process. Additionally, you should always make sure to back up your data before performing any major software updates or installations.
FAQs
Q: How do I boot from the USB drive to install MacOS?
A: To boot from the USB drive, restart your MacBook Pro and hold down the Option key as soon as your hear the startup chime. Select the USB drive from the list of bootable devices and press Enter.
Q: Can I use the same USB drive to install MacOS on multiple MacBook Pros?
A: Yes, you can use the same bootable USB drive to install MacOS on multiple MacBook Pros.
Q: What do I do if the installation process fails?
A: If the installation process fails, try restarting your MacBook Pro and attempting the installation again. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Q: Can I create a bootable USB drive for MacOS on Windows?
A: No, you cannot create a bootable USB drive for MacOS on Windows. You will need to use a Mac to create the bootable USB drive.
Q: How long does it take to create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS?
A: The time it takes to create a bootable USB drive for installing MacOS will depend on the method you choose and the speed of your internet connection. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
