How to fix the problem of selecting a blank disk when installing macOS

Explanation: Choose the disk on which to install macOS

Have you encountered the “Choose a disk to install macOS on” error while trying to upgrade your Mac? Many Mac users have reported this issue. During the installation process, the system prompts you to choose a disk to install macOS on. Usually, two options appear – an external drive and an internal drive.

The “No disk to install macOS” error, which presents a blank screen with no disks visible, can be quite perplexing and prompt users to seek the right solution promptly. This issue can stem from various reasons, and there are several solutions that can help resolve it.

First, you can try downloading and creating a new macOS installer. You can also use Disk Utility to verify and repair disk issues. Other solutions include resetting the NVRAM/PRAM and SMC, checking compatibility between your Mac and macOS version, and updating firmware and system software.

How to Upgrade to macOS Sonoma

Apple typically releases major versions of its operating system at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), generating great interest among Apple users and developers alike. This article will explain how to upgrade to macOS Sonoma.

Reasons to choose a blank disk when installing macOS

The "No available disk to install macOS" error can occur due to several reasons. Let's look into –

Reason 1: Damaged or Incompatible macOS Installer

One primary reason for the "No disk selected for installing macOS" error is an incompatible macOS installer. It's crucial to ensure that the macOS you're attempting to install is compatible with your system. Additionally, you must verify that the macOS installer is not corrupted, which can be achieved by downloading it from the official website.

Reason 2: Disk Format or Partition Issue

You might not know, but partition issues can also lead to disk errors. Similarly, disk formatting issues can explain the occurrence of the problem. In such a case, using a disk utility to check, identify, and fix the issue is crucial.

⚔️ Reason 3: Incompatible Software or Hardware

Another reason behind the “Select a blank disk to install macOS” error is incompatibility between hardware and software. Whenever you think about upgrading your system, make sure to check the list of compatible devices. If the software isn't compatible with your hardware, you'll encounter multiple issues.

Cause 4: Outdated firmware or system software

It is crucial to keep your system up to date. Failing to do so can result in disk errors. The ideal solution would be to update the firmware and then attempt to upgrade your system to the macOS version you desire. Remember, regularly checking for updates is a great way to keep your system current.

5 Ways to Fix the Select Disk as Empty Error When Installing macOS

Anxious about the “No macOS to Install on Empty Disk” error? Don't worry! Five solutions can help you fix it. Let's dive in –

1. Method 1: Download and Create a New macOS Installer
2. Method 2: Verify and Repair Disk Issues with Disk Utility
3. Method 3: Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC
4. Method 4: Ensure Compatibility with Your Mac and macOS Version
5. Method 5: Update Firmware and System Software

Also, to avoid the inconvenience of losing important data, it is advised that you back up your crucial files with the assistance of the professional Mac Data Recovery Wizard tool before installing or updating your macOS.

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Method 1: Download and create a new macOS installer

One of the best ways to fix the “Select a disk for installing macOS” error is to redownload and create a new macOS installer. To do this, follow these steps.

How do I download the macOS installer again?

Here is what needs to happen – and soon.

Step 1: Open the App Store.

Step 2. Search for macOS Ventura (or the version you're using)

Step 3: When you find it, tap on the “View” or “Get” button.

Step 4: Download the macOS installer again from here.

How do I create a new bootable installer?

Please look at these steps –

Step 1. Connect the USB drive to your system.

Step 2: Open Terminal.

Step 3: Type in sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume.

Please remember to enter the name of the downloaded macOS.

Create a bootable USB drive

Step 4: Press “Enter.”

Step 5: Type in the management password.

6. Type Y to delete the volume.

Step 7: Press “Enter.”

A pop-up will appear asking for access to the files on the removable volume. Click “OK.”

Step 9: Close the terminal.

Step 10: Disconnect the hard drive.

Method 2: Use Disk Utility to Check and Repair Disk Issues

To fix drive errors, you can use Disk Utility. The "First Aid" feature checks and repairs problems. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Boot into MacOS Recovery Mode.

Step 2: On the Utilities screen, choose Disk Utility.

Step 3: Click on the “View” button.

Step 4: Click “Show all devices.”

Step 5: Click the “First Aid” button.

Step 6: When prompted, click Run.

Step 7: Click “Continue.”

Step 8: Now install macOS again and see if the problem persists.

If the issue persists, try the next solution. Don't forget to bookmark this article by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, or your favorite SNS.

Method 3: Reset the NVRAM/PRAM and SMC

Resetting the NVRAM/PRAM and SMC can also help resolve disk errors.

Here's how to reset the NVRAM/PRAM:

Step one: Power down the system.

Step 2 Press the Power button.

Step 3: Press and hold “⌘, ⌥, P, and R” all at the same time.

Step 4: When you hear the start-up sound for the second time, let go of the keys.

On a Mac with a T2 chip, you must wait until you see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice before letting go of the keys.

In addition, you can reset the SMC, though the steps vary depending on the model.

For Macs with a T2 Security Chip:

Step 1: Power down the system.

Step 2. Hold down the Power button for a few seconds.

Step 3: Restart the system.

If that doesn't work, turn the device off.

Step 5: Hold down the left Option, right Shift, and left Control keys.

Step 6. Now, press and hold the Power button.

Step 7: Release the keys after a few seconds.

Step 8. Restart your macOS.

For a desktop Mac:

Step 1: Turn off the system.

Step two: Unplug the power cord.

Step 3. Resuming the connection a few seconds later.

Step 4. Turn on the device.

For a Mac with a removable battery —

Step 1: Power down the system.

Step two: Remove the battery.

Step 3: Press and hold the Power button.

Step four: Install the battery.

Step Five: Open the system.

For Macs with non-removable batteries –

Step one: Power down the system.

Step 2. Hold down the left Shift, Option, and Control keys.

Step 3. Press and hold the Power button.

Step 4: Release all keys after a few seconds.

Step Five: Launch the System

Method 4: Make sure it's compatible with your Mac and version of macOS

Another simple fix is to check the compatibility between your Mac and the version of macOS. You can visit Apple's support page for details on your system's compatibility. This will give you a better idea of software-to-hardware harmony.

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Method 5: Update the firmware and system software

Finally, try updating the firmware and system software to see if that resolves the error. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Click the "Apple menu".

Step 2. Click on “System Settings” or “System Preferences”.

If you're using System Settings, choose General, and then Software Update.

Step 4: If you're using System Preferences, click Software Update.

Step 5: If an update is available, you'll see an “Upgrade Now” option. Click it.

You can also use Recovery Mode to update the firmware.

That will require several steps.

Step 1. Boot into macOS Recovery.

Step 2. Choose “Reinstall macOS.”

Step 3: Click “Continue.”

How to Recover Lost Data After Installing macOS

Did you lose data after upgrading to the latest macOS? Data loss can still occur even if you follow the instructions to the letter. The best way to recover lost data is by opting for a professional data recovery tool. Here, you can try the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac utility.

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a powerful and reliable data recovery tool. This software is capable of retrieving various types of data, such as photos, videos, emails, audio files, and more.

You can use the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac in various scenarios, including –

• Virus Attack: Malware attacks can be devastating and might corrupt your entire system. You can use this excellent recovery tool to retrieve lost data.
• Formatting: Sometimes, formatting a drive can lead to data loss. But fret not! With this tool, you can recover a formatted hard drive on Mac.
• Incorrect macOS Recovery: Issues during macOS installation can result in data loss.
• Hard Drive Failure: Physical damage to the hard drive or other software-related issues can cause data loss. This tool can help recover your data in such cases.

Want to use the Mac Data Recovery Wizard tool? Here are the simple steps that you need to follow –

Note: You can click "Disk Backup" on the left to create a backup first. In case of disk damage or accidental deletion/loss of data from the disk, you can restore the data from the backup image.

Step 1: Choose a location.

Select the disk from which you lost data after upgrading to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur, and then click “Search Lost Files.”

Step 2: Look for the Lost Data after Scanning

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will scan the disk volume you select immediately, and display the scanning results in the left pane. You can search for your desired data on Mac by file type and file path.

Step 3: Restore your data after updating macOS

Select the target files that got accidentally lost during or after the update, and click on the “Recover” button to get them all back.

Conclusions

The "No available disk to install macOS" error is a common but frustrating Mac issue. There are several solutions you can try to fix it. For instance, you can use Disk Utility to check and repair the problem. You can also reset the SMC to see if that resolves the error.

However, data loss might occur while applying these solutions. In such cases, you can use the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool. It is a reliable and user-friendly recovery software that allows users to restore various types of data.

Frequently Asked Questions about Installing macOS on a Disk

For more information about “Choose the disk to install macOS on,” see the questions and answers listed here:

1. How do I choose the disk to install macOS on?

When installing macOS, users are asked to choose which disk they want to install it on. Most users will choose to install macOS on Macintosh HD.

Why don't I see a disk available to install macOS on?

There can be several reasons why you might not see the disk for installing macOS, such as incompatibility with your device, a damaged macOS installer, or issues with the disk formatting/partitioning.

How do I reinstall Mac from a blank hard drive?

To reinstall macOS from a blank drive, follow these steps:

1. Enter macOS Recovery Mode. 2. From the Utilities menu, select Disk Utility. 3. Select the external hard drive and click the Erase button. 4. Choose GUID as the Partition Scheme. 5. Enter a Volume Name and choose the format type (APFS). 6. Click Apply, then click Erase. 7. Close Disk Utility. 8. Proceed with the macOS installation, following the on-screen instructions.

How do I install macOS on a blank MacBook?

To install macOS on a blank MacBook, follow these steps:

Connect the installer to your device. Turn off your device, then press and hold the Power button. When you see the Startup Options window, select the bootable installer volume. Choose Continue when the macOS installer opens, then follow the onscreen instructions.