How to Perform a Clean Install of macOS Ventura [Step-by-Step Guide for 2024]

Apple has recently unveiled macOS Ventura, an updated operating system. If you're captivated by the distinctive features of macOS Ventura and wish to perform a clean install of macOS Ventura on your Mac, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you through the preparatory steps for a clean installation and explain how to do it using a bootable USB drive.

Part 1: Why Perform a Clean Installation of macOS Ventura

A clean install refers to an installation process that removes any previous versions beforehand. In contrast to an upgrade, a clean install appears more appropriate for computer users seeking a fresh start on their Mac devices. However, if you intend to keep your files, applications, and settings, opting for an upgrade is recommended. If you desire improved performance and a pristine macOS, a clean install is a wise option.

A clean installation is highly favored among computer users, and you can indeed reap the benefits of a fresh installation of macOS Ventura on your Mac.

• Experiencing improved stability and responsiveness.
• Enjoying better compatibility with applications.
• Maximizing the utilization of storage space.
• Enhancing overall performance and efficiency.

Part 2: Everything You Need to Know Before a Clean Install of macOS Ventura

Before commencing the clean installation process, there are several aspects that require our attention. Let's examine what these are:

• Compatibility
• Storage Requirements
• Backup

Compatibility

Not all Mac computers are compatible with macOS Ventura. Hence, it's crucial to verify if your system is capable of running it before installing macOS Ventura on your Mac. Here are the devices that are compatible with macOS Ventura:

• Mac Studio (2022)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• Mac Mini (2018 and later)
• iMac (2017 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017 and later)
• MacBook (2017 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2017 and later)

Storage Requirements

First, you'll need two external hard drives: one to create the bootable installer and another to back up your Mac's files. Creating a boot disk requires a minimum of 16GB of storage space.

Secondly, before jumping into any clean install, it's vital to evaluate your storage needs. Make sure you've got at least 16GB of free space on your Mac to ensure smooth sailing, since the macOS Ventura installer will roughly take up 12GB. However, you'll also need extra room for installing software and apps. If you're tight on space, you can utilize macOS's "Optimize Storage" feature to clear out unnecessary files.

Backup

If you've got important data on your Mac, it's crucial to back up your Mac. That's because doing a clean install will wipe out all the files on your Mac. So, backing up is a must. You can use any of these methods to backup your data:

Method 1: Using Time Machine

Time Machine is an integrated backup feature in macOS. It enables you to automate the backup of your data once configured and restore it following a clean installation. Time Machine can back up applications, photos, music, emails, and documents. To use this feature, you require an external hard drive. It appears that Time Machine can preserve most personal data. However, there are certain limitations. For instance, it does not offer cloud storage. Furthermore, Time Machine cannot back up: - System files or settings that are critical for the operating system, as these are typically restored during a clean install. - External devices or connected hardware, like printers or scanners, as they are not part of the data on your Mac. - Passwords stored in keychains or other secure data, which may need to be manually re-entered after a fresh installation. - Software licenses or activation keys, which might require you to reactivate them after reinstalling apps. - Custom configurations or settings of some third-party applications, as these may not be automatically restored. - Data on network drives or servers, as they are outside the scope of the local backup process. It's essential to understand these limitations and consider additional backup methods if necessary to ensure comprehensive data protection.

• iOS devices.
• Network settings.
• Email messages or accounts.
• iCloud content.
• Specific system files or applications.

Method 2: Using Professional Backup Software

Time Machine is an excellent backup and recovery solution for Mac, but it's essential to acknowledge its limitations when safeguarding your Mac device. If you wish to back up everything on your Mac, you might consider using third-party backup software like tools Todo Backup. Tools Todo Backup is among the top-rated best backup software for Mac.

Todo Backup for Mac is an excellent tool for backing up data from any Mac device. It also enables you to backup your entire Mac computer, set up an automated backup process, change the iTunes backup location, compress backups to save storage space, and clone a USB drive. Moreover, it is user-friendly, allowing you to backup your Mac with just three straightforward steps.

Here are the steps to back up your Mac:

Step 1. Launch and run Todo Backup for Mac. Click the first Backup tab or simply click the + button in the bottom-left corner to create a backup project - name the backup project and click OK.

Step 2. Configure the backup destination where you wish to store your Mac files as backups, the automatic backup frequency, and so on, then click OK.

Step 3. Include files and folders in the backup project.
Click File+ to select specific files and folders to add to the backup, then click the blue start button to back up your Mac to another drive or external device.

Part 3: How to Perform a Clean Installation of macOS Ventura Using a USB Installer Drive Now that you have prepared your USB installer drive, you can proceed with the clean installation of macOS Ventura. Follow these steps carefully: 1. **Backup Your Data**: Before proceeding, ensure that you have backed up all important data from your Mac. You can use Time Machine or any other reliable backup solution. 2. **Boot into Recovery Mode**: Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the `Command` + `R` keys until you see the Apple logo. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode. 3. **Erase Disk Utility**: In Recovery Mode, click on the Utilities menu at the top and select Disk Utility. This tool will allow you to format your hard drive for a clean installation. 4. **Select the Disk**: In Disk Utility, select the internal hard drive you want to erase. Make sure you choose the correct disk; erasing the wrong one can result in data loss. 5. **Format the Disk**: Click on the "Erase" button, then give your disk a new name (optional) and choose "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" or "APFS" as the format. Click "Erase" to proceed. 6. **Quit Disk Utility**: Once the disk has been erased, close Disk Utility. 7. **Install macOS Ventura**: Return to the main Recovery Mode screen and click on the "Reinstall macOS" (or "Reinstall macOS Ventura" if available) option. Click "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the fresh copy of macOS Ventura onto your formatted hard drive. 8. **Wait for Installation**: The installation process may take some time, so be patient. Your Mac will restart several times during the process. 9. **Setup Assistant**: After the installation is complete, your Mac will boot into the Setup Assistant. Follow the prompts to configure your new macOS Ventura system, including language selection, network settings, and user account creation. 10. **Restore from Backup (optional)**: If you've made a backup, you can now restore your files and applications using Time Machine or your preferred method. With these steps, you have successfully performed a clean installation of macOS Ventura using a USB installer drive. Enjoy your freshly installed operating system!

Now that you're well-informed about everything before installing macOS Ventura on your Mac, let's get straight to the point: how to perform a clean installation of macOS Ventura. In this guide, I'll walk you through a method to do a clean install of macOS Ventura. Let's find out how it's done.

Translate into English

Step 1. Download macOS Ventura

To download and install macOS Ventura 13.0 Final on your Mac, open the App Store and search for "macOS Ventura."

Step 2. Create a macOS Ventura USB Installer

1. Create a macOS Ventura USB installer by running a series of commands in the Terminal.

2. Open the Terminal app using Spotlight search, and then run the commands below.

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Installer --nointeraction This command in English is: Sudo /Applications/Install macOS Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Installer --nointeraction

Note: Replace Installer with the actual name of your USB drive.

3. Press Return after typing the command line into the Terminal.

Step 3. Adjust Startup Security to Use Ventura USB Installer To boot from the Ventura USB installer, you'll need to modify your Mac's startup security settings. Follow these steps: 1. **Shut down your Mac**: Ensure your Mac is completely turned off, not just in sleep mode. 2. **Insert the USB Installer**: Plug in the USB drive containing the macOS Ventura installer into your Mac's USB port. 3. **Boot into Startup Security Utility**: Press and hold the `Command` + `R` keys while turning on your Mac. This will initiate the boot process into macOS Recovery. 4. **Select your language**: Choose your preferred language when the macOS Utilities window appears. 5. **Open Startup Security Utility**: Click on "Utilities" in the menu bar at the top, then select "Startup Security Utility." 6. **Authenticate**: Enter your administrator password to access the settings. 7. **Change Secure Boot Settings**: You'll see options for "No Security," "Medium Security," and "Full Security." If your Mac supports it, choose "Medium Security." This will allow you to boot from external drives like the Ventura USB installer. - If "Medium Security" isn't an option and your Mac supports "Full Security," you may need to enable "Allow booting from trusted macOS installation or recovery media." 8. **Select the USB Installer**: After saving the changes, exit Startup Security Utility and your Mac will automatically restart. When the Apple logo appears, press and hold the `Option` key. This will bring up the Startup Manager. 9. **Choose the USB Drive**: In the Startup Manager, you should see your Ventura USB installer labeled with its name (usually "Install macOS Ventura"). Use the arrow keys to highlight the drive and press `Return` to boot from it. 10. **Install macOS Ventura**: Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation process. Remember to revert your startup security settings back to their original state after you've completed the installation.

1. Restart your Mac and boot it into macOS Recovery Mode.

2. Enter Recovery Mode to adjust your Mac's security settings.

• For M1/M2 Mac: Press the Power button until you see "Loading Startup Options."
• For Intel-based Macs: Hold down the "Command + R" keys when your Mac starts up.

3. Click on Utilities from the top menu, and then choose Startup Security Utility.

4. Select "No Security" and "Allow booting from external or removable media." Save the settings, then shut down your Mac.

Step 4: Perform a Clean Install of macOS Ventura

1. Connect the bootable USB drive to your Mac.

2. Turn on the Mac and hold the Option key until boot options appear.

3. Select Disk Utility from the available options.

4. Click "View" and select "Show all devices."

5. Select Mac's built-in disk. Click "Erase" and choose the APFS format. Click "Erase" again to format the disk.

6. After the cleaning process is complete, close the Disk Utility. Next, select "Install macOS 13 Beta" to proceed with a clean installation of macOS Ventura.

Part 4: The Bottom Line

Now you're aware of how to perform a clean install of macOS Ventura on your Mac. A clean install of macOS Ventura is perfect for users who want to experience the new features of the updated operating system. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of installing macOS Ventura via a bootable USB drive. Carefully follow the steps to proceed. Always ensure you back up your Mac using a reliable backup utility like Todos Backup for Mac before commencing the clean installation process. This backup software offers numerous benefits, so don't hesitate to give it a try!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is it worth performing a clean installation of macOS?

A clean install allows you to erase old files before installing the operating system onto a freshly formatted disk. Moreover, a clean install is essential before selling your Mac or passing it on to someone else.

2. Why does my Mac keep showing an error during installation?

If your Mac encounters an error while preparing an installation, follow these steps: 1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your Mac and press and hold the Shift key immediately after hearing the startup sound. Release the key when you see the Apple logo. 2. Check your date and time settings: Once in Safe Mode, go to System Preferences > Date & Time, ensure the correct settings are configured, and if needed, adjust them. 3. Boot into Recovery Mode: Restart your Mac and press and hold Command + R keys as it starts up. Release when you see the Apple logo. 4. Run First Aid: In Recovery Mode, open Disk Utility, select your startup disk, and click on the "First Aid" tab. Click "Run" to check for any issues and attempt to repair them. 5. Try reinstalling the OS: Exit Disk Utility, then from the Utilities menu, choose "Reinstall macOS" (or "Reinstall OS X" for older versions). Follow the prompts to reinstall the operating system without erasing the drive. If the problem still occurs: 1. Erase the drive: In Disk Utility, select your startup disk, click the "Erase" tab, choose a format (usually "MacOS Extended (Journaled)" or "APFS"), enter a name, and click "Erase". 2. Reinstall the OS: After erasing the drive, try reinstalling the operating system again by following step 5. This time, the installer should prompt you to erase the drive before proceeding. If the issue persists even after these steps, it might be advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for further assistance.

3. Does performing a factory reset on a Mac eliminate viruses?

In most cases, yes. However, it won't be effective if your backup, recovery partition, or other devices are also infected. Additionally, resetting your Mac won't resolve the issue if it was compromised by a rootkit that grants administrator-level access to your device.

< strong > 4. Should I restore from Time Machine or reinstall macOS? < /strong > Should I restore my system from a Time Machine backup or reinstall macOS?

If your system or startup disk becomes damaged, you can recover your data by using Time Machine to back up your Mac. However, it's recommended that you first reinstall macOS on your Mac before restoring your data from the Time Machine backup.