MacOS Update vs Clean Install: Which to Choose

Are you looking to get the latest version of macOS? In that case, you have two different options. One is to update your current version, and the other is to erase your previous version and install the new operating system fresh. There are several ways to perform these installation methods.

This article will detail the differences between updating and doing a clean install of macOS, so you can decide which is best for you.

What are macOS updates and clean installs?

Selecting the macOS Update is one of the preferred ways to get the latest version of the operating system. There are several advantages to choosing this option. One of the biggest benefits is that you don't have to worry about formatting your hard drive.

During the upgrade, the new operating system simply overlaid the old one, with few complications. Your programs and files were left unscathed, neither altered, modified, nor deleted.

On the other hand, a clean install refers to an installation type that completely removes any previous versions of the software. If you want a fresh start and a brand new experience on your computer, a clean install is the way to go. In this case, the installation process will wipe the hard drive.

In addition, you'll gain other benefits, such as a system free of unnecessary bloatware and redundant apps, which you can uninstall. This also helps protect against malware attacks.

MacOS Comparison: Monterey vs Big Sur

When comparing macOS Monterey and macOS Big Sur, there are some noteworthy differences. Click to learn more.

MacOS Updates versus Clean Installations

There are some differences between a macOS update and a clean installation, and users typically choose the method that best suits their needs. To help you find the right approach for you, we'll outline the characteristics of each. You can compare them and decide which is best for you.

Clean Install

Below, we've listed the features of a clean install, which you can read for more information about this method.

• Get rid of bloatware: A clean install is one of the most common ways to set up an operating system. This way, you can get rid of unwanted or unnecessary software bloat. It's also the best approach to remove pre-installed apps that you don't need. Now, your system is clean and ready for you to use again.
• No worries about losing essential apps: You don't have to worry about deleting important applications, as you can easily reinstall them from the Mac App Store and other third-party stores. However, this process requires patience, as it can take quite a while to complete everything.
• Time-consuming: When performing a clean install, you need to ensure that the OS version you're installing is compatible with your system. Incompatibility can lead to multiple issues, costing you time, effort, and resources.
• No option to roll back to previous versions: With a clean install, since your computer has been completely wiped, you won't be able to choose to revert to a previous OS version.

macOS Update

Another option is to update the macOS that you currently have on your Mac. Here, we'll list the main characteristics of this method. You can read through them to learn more about it.

• No need to quit any apps: The main advantage of this method is that all your files, apps, and programs will remain as they are. You don't have to quit anything to update.
• Faster process: When you choose to update macOS, the process takes less time. Unlike a clean installation, you won't have to wait too long. Additionally, you won't have to redownload apps or spend time setting up your computer from scratch.
• No risk of installing the wrong system version: By updating macOS, you don't have to worry about selecting the right operating system version for your computer. This is the safest and simplest way to get the new macOS version.
• The ability to roll back to a previous version: Another significant advantage is that, if possible, you can roll back to a previous version. This means that if you don't like the latest version or encounter issues, you can opt for an earlier one. However, there might be some complications, such as dealing with existing issues in the system. The new operating system might not be compatible with some of the apps in your system. If you want to roll back to a previous version, you can refer to this article: How to get an older version of macOS for more guidance.

A Step-by-Step Guide: macOS Updates and Clean Installations

Here, we'll provide detailed steps for both methods. Choose the one that suits you best and follow along.

• macOS Updates
• Clean Install

macOS updates:

Step 1: Click the Apple menu in the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 2. Choose “System Preferences.”

Step 3: Click on the “Software Update” option next.

Step 4: From here, you can choose to “Upgrade Now” or “Update Now.”

Step 5: Click the "Update Now" option.

Note: It's recommended that you back up all important files and data before proceeding with the update.

Note: There is a clear difference between the "Upgrade Now" and "Update Now" options. "Upgrade Now" refers to installing a major new version, which comes with a new name. In contrast, "Update Now" involves installing the latest version of the currently installed edition on your computer.

Clean installation:

There are several ways to clean up and install macOS on your system. Let's look at them.

Step 1: Use the “Erase all content and settings” option.

Step 2: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, and then choose “System Preferences.”

Step 3: A menu will appear. From the drop-down, select “Erase All Content and Settings.”

Step 4: Here you'll need to enter the password for your unlock system.

Step 5: A message will appear detailing what will be removed by selecting this option. Tap “Continue” to proceed.

Click the “Continue” button.

Step 6. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID.

Step 7: Another pop-up will ask you to confirm that you want to proceed.

Step 8: Tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”

The process will begin, and during this time, you may see your computer restart several times. Don't panic; just give it time to work through the process.

When you see the "Hello" message, the process is complete. Your Mac is now fresh and ready for you to start using it again.

Note: This feature is only available on Mac computers released in 2017 or later. Your computer must have a T2 Security Chip or an Apple Silicon chip based on ARM architecture.

There are two other ways to perform a clean installation. They are:

• Use macOS Recovery
• Use a bootable USB flash drive

### Tip #4: What if you lose data along the way?

Did you accidentally lose data while trying to install the latest macOS? It can happen. In such a case, your best bet would be to opt for a great data recovery software. This is where the tool, Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, comes in handy.

You can use the Data Recovery Wizard tool to retrieve lost data from a Mac, including photos, music files, videos, emails, documents, and more. It also allows you to recover data from other Mac-based devices like memory cards, external SSDs, USB flash drives, Time Machine backup drives, HDDs, and so on.

Regardless of the reason for the data loss, you can rely on tools like Data Recovery Wizard to come to your aid. It could be due to a virus attack or hardware failure. You could also fall victim to human error or a simple system crash. Having such recovery software at your disposal can help alleviate panic and anxiety when such catastrophic events occur.

The software boasts multiple recovery features, including scanning modes, cloud recovery, and file filters. With these options, you can quickly scan and select the files to recover, making it easier to focus on Mac file retrieval.

With 15 years of professional experience in data recovery, Data Recovery Wizard Expert is ready to help. If you have any questions about Mac data recovery, feel free to reach out to them. The experts will easily address your concerns.

Here, we will provide you with the comprehensive steps to recover the data lost during this process. You can follow the instructions accordingly.

Note: You can create a backup by clicking "Disk Backup" on the left first. You can recover data from the backup image when the disk is damaged or data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost.

Step 1: Choose a location

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

Step 2: Look for the lost data after scanning

The "Tools" Data Recovery Wizard will immediately scan the selected disk volume and display the scan results in the left pane. Use file types and file paths to locate the data you need on your Mac.

Step 3: Recover Data after macOS Update

Select the target files that were accidentally lost during or after the update, and then click Recover to restore all of them.

People also ask

Does updating macOS erase everything?

No, updating the Mac operating system does not erase everything. However, users should proceed with caution during an update, as incorrect installations can sometimes result in data loss. In such cases, it's advisable to back up important data beforehand.

2. Does updating macOS improve performance?

Yes, updating to the latest version of macOS does help with performance. You'll typically find an overall boost in system performance with new features that come with it.

3. What should you back up before a clean install of macOS?

Before you opt for a clean install on your Mac, there are a few backup steps that will come in handy. First, back up your entire system, including all your files and apps. Next, you'll need to get the installers for the apps you use, along with licenses and serial numbers for various applications. You'll also have to sign out or de-authorize apps that require your Apple ID password.

Conclusions

When users want to install a new macOS, they have two options. You can do a clean install, wiping the entire system and starting fresh. Or you can update your current version to get the latest available. Depending on your needs, you'll choose the appropriate installation method.

However, despite precautions, data loss can still occur. In such cases, opting for Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can be beneficial. This is an excellent data recovery software that aids in effortlessly retrieving various types of files.