What Is the macOS Base System? [Everything You Need to Know]

You may have heard of the macOS System Integrity Protection, but do you know exactly what it does? Or how to fix issues with macOS System Integrity Protection? Don't worry – this article will tell you everything you need to know. Read on.

Definition of the macOS Baseline Configuration

The macOS Base System is the recovery partition on your Mac. This system reinstallation typically occurs when users need to reinstall macOS for it to function properly, which is often the case when the system isn't working as it should or when a different version of macOS needs to be installed. Additionally, the macOS Base System can be used for diagnosing and resolving issues with your Mac when using Disk Utility. If problems arise, the device can be restored to a previous state using Time Machine.

The macOS Base System is a read-only disk image that's about 2GB in size and contains all the essential components for a Mac to function. Under normal circumstances, users don't see the macOS Base System. However, when a user starts up from Command + R on an Intel-based Mac, the Base System is displayed.

When to use macOS Base System

When using a Mac, system issues are inevitable. If your Mac is crashing, freezing, or giving you error messages, you may need to use the built-in Mac system to help recover or reinstall macOS.

There are a few scenarios where you might use macOS Base System:

1. Activation failed.
2. Disk issue.
3. Operating system issue.

As such, the macOS Base System is only considered when users attempt to recover, reinstall, or repair their Mac. When the device reinstalls macOS, the macOS Base System essentially repairs our Mac's backup.

macOS Base System and Macintosh HD

Macintosh HD refers to the disk that boots when you start up macOS on your device. The macOS base system is a separate volume that allows you to recover macOS on your Mac with just a few clicks if macOS isn't working properly. The macOS base system is also where you back up your Mac, reinstall macOS, and other low-level utilities.

Potential issues with the macOS base system and how to resolve them

Mistreatment can lead to device malfunction. However, users can also encounter errors when attempting to boot macOS, such as a locked drive or insufficient space. Below, we will discuss issues related to the macOS base system and provide solutions.

• There isn't enough free space in the OS X Base System
• The macOS Base System has the same size as your Mac's hard drive and shows "Disk is locked"

Problem 1: Not enough available space in the OS X base system

When installing macOS on a virtual machine tool for Mac, we might encounter the issue of "insufficient available space in OS X Base System." We can resolve this by wiping the container and adding a new partition to store the macOS installer. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. In the macOS installer window, click the “Tools” menu in the top bar and select “Disk Utility.”

Step 2. Click on the main container below your name, then click “Clear.”

Step 3: Name your partition and choose the format based on your version of macOS. If you're running macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, select APFS. If you're running an earlier version of macOS, choose “Mac OS Extended (Journaled).” For the scheme, choose “GUID Partition Map.”

Step 4: Click “Erase.” Close the window and begin installing Mac OS onto your new partition.

Issue 2: The macOS Base System has the same size as your Mac hard drive and shows 'Locked'

Occasionally, a user might accidentally restore Macintosh HD to the macOS Base System and find the disk locked. You can resolve this issue by following these steps: Steps to resolve a “Locked disk” issue:

Step 1: Restart your Mac and press and hold "Option + Command + R" on your keyboard immediately before the Apple logo appears on the screen.

2. In the Utilities window, click "Disk Utility."

Step 3: Select the macOS Base System volume and click "Erase."

Step 4: If you're using macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, name the disk Macintosh HD and make sure it's formatted as APFS. If you're using an earlier version, you must select Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Use GUID Partition Map as the scheme.

Step 5: Click “Erase,” then exit Disk Utility. Proceed with the macOS reinstallation, and choose Macintosh HD as the drive.