Creating a bootable macOS USB drive: Your ultimate backup and reinstall solution

A bootable USB drive containing macOS installation files is invaluable for reinstalling macOS, troubleshooting system issues, or installing macOS on multiple Macs. This guide details why you need one and how to create it.

The Importance of a Backup Plan

Before proceeding, ensure your data is safe. Consider using backup solutions like Setapp to protect your files, manage external drives, and more.

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Understanding Bootable USB Drives

A bootable USB drive (or external hard drive) holds a macOS installer, allowing you to boot your Mac from it independently of your main system. For simplicity, we'll refer to all external drives as USB drives.

Creating Your Bootable USB: What You Need

• A USB drive (flash drive or external hard drive) with at least 14GB of free space, formatted as Mac OS Extended.
• macOS installer files (download instructions below).

Downloading macOS Installer Files

Caution: Download the installer, but do not begin the installation process on your Mac. Terminate it immediately after download.

Newer macOS versions (High Sierra to Monterey) are downloaded as applications from the App Store. Ensure your Mac meets the macOS version's system requirements and runs macOS Sierra 10.12.5 or later. Download the appropriate installer:

• macOS Monterey installer
• macOS Big Sur installer
• macOS Catalina installer
• macOS Mojave installer
• macOS High Sierra installer

For older versions (like OS X El Capitan), download the DMG file using Safari. This DMG contains the installer application.

Creating the Bootable USB: Two Methods

Method 1: One-Click Solution with Disk Drill

Connect your USB drive, open Disk Drill (available with Setapp), and follow these steps:

1. Select 'macOS Installer' in the sidebar.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions or watch the quick how-to video.
3. Select the macOS installer file (or upload it manually).
4. Choose your USB drive as the destination.
5. Click 'Create macOS Installer'.

This method avoids Terminal commands, minimizing the risk of errors. Disk Drill also offers data backup, recovery, and cloning capabilities.

Method 2: Using Terminal

If you don't have Disk Drill, use Terminal:

1. Connect the USB drive.

2. Open Terminal.

3. Execute the appropriate command based on your macOS version (replace 'MyVolume' with your USB drive's name if it's different):

   • Monterey: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
   • Big Sur: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
   • Catalina: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
   • Mojave: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
   • High Sierra: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
   • Sierra: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app
   • El Capitan: sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app

   The command copies the macOS installer from your Applications folder to the USB drive.

4. Press 'Return' or 'Enter'.

5. Enter your administrator password.

6. Type 'y' to confirm erasing the USB drive.

Once complete, Terminal will display the installer's volume name. Eject the USB drive.

Booting from Your USB Drive

After creating the bootable drive, you can use it to boot your Mac and install a fresh copy of macOS. Only install on supported hardware.

M1 Macs:

1. Connect the USB drive.
2. Turn on your Mac while holding the power button.
3. Select the bootable installer from the startup options and click 'Continue'.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Intel Macs:

1. Connect the USB drive.
2. Hold down the Option key while turning on your Mac.
3. Select the bootable installer and press 'Return'.
4. Choose 'Install macOS' in the Utilities window.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Essential: Back Up Your Data!

Before booting from the USB, back up your important files. Consider using Get Backup Pro (available with Setapp) for comprehensive backups with compression, scheduling, and cross-computer recovery capabilities.

To optimize your system before installation, use CleanMyMac X (also available with Setapp) to remove junk files and free up disk space.

Setapp: Your Essential Tool for macOS Installation

A bootable macOS USB drive is a crucial part of any Mac user's toolkit. Combined with backup and cleanup utilities like those offered by Setapp, you're prepared for any eventuality. Start your free seven-day Setapp trial today!

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