Restore files after reinstalling macOS (for macOS 14)

When a new version of the Mac operating system comes out, it typically includes some neat, new, and unique features that make you want to upgrade.

While macOS rarely needs to be restarted or reinstalled, updating or downgrading to a new version can lead to data loss due to formatting, accidental deletion, or file overwriting. So, the question is, can you recover files after reinstalling macOS? The answer is yes, but first, let's look at why you might want to reinstall macOS in the first place.

Of course, recipient countries will also have to ensure that their labor markets are flexible enough to absorb these new arrivals quickly.

 

How to Upgrade to macOS 14 on MacBook/iMac

Eager to know how to upgrade to macOS 14 on your MacBook/iMac? Apple hasn't officially announced the latest version of macOS yet. Read More >>

• You can quickly and easily replace your current problematic operating system with a clean version by reinstalling macOS or using macOS Recovery Mode.
• Reinstalling macOS will not erase your disk or delete your files.
• You may suspect an issue with your startup drive, as certain Mac startup issues can occur.

In that case, you can use the Disk Utility from Recovery to scan and repair the disk, which may be faster and easier than erasing and reinstalling macOS.

Let's explore four different methods to recover files after reinstalling macOS. Before we proceed, don't forget to bookmark this article by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, or your favorite SNS.

Restore Files After Reinstalling macOS via Software

When you lose data after reinstalling the latest macOS or downgrading to an earlier version, you can rely on a dependable Mac data recovery tool to alleviate your woes.

The powerful and reliable Mac Data Recovery Wizard is a tool that might help you restore missing files after reinstalling macOS. This advanced software can recover deleted files from a Mac in case of accidental loss, formatting, malware attacks, or system failures.

More highlights:

• Recover files deleted after performing a macOS factory reset.
• Create a bootable Mac USB drive and recover files from an unbootable Mac.
• Retrieve data from a damaged hard drive or USB flash drive.

It can help you scan your Mac hard drive or an external storage device to easily find and recover all the files lost after reinstalling macOS, even if you never backed up your files. Its effectiveness is proven by users.

Note: You can click "Disk Backup" on the left to create a backup first. When the disk is damaged or data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost, you can recover the data from the backup image.

Step one: Choose the location.

Select the disk from which you lost data after upgrading to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur. Then, click “Start Scan” to look for missing 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: Recover Data After macOS Update

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

Restore Files after Reinstalling macOS from Time Machine Backup

The second method to recover deleted files after reinstalling macOS is to restore from a Time Machine backup. However, this works only if you had a backup on an external hard drive previously. With a backup, you can easily resolve the issue of lost data.

Step 1: Connect the external drive with your full Time Machine backup to your Mac.

Step 2: Click on "Launchpad" and then "Others," and you will find and click on the Time Machine icon.

Step 3: Here, you can look for and preview the deleted data and files. The right arrow key moves the timeline with the missing files.

Step 4: Find the lost file you want to recover and click “Recover.”

When the restore is complete, restart your Mac, and your missing files should reappear on the drive.

Please provide the English content you would like translated, and I will do my best to translate it into Chinese.

 

How to Hard Restart a Mac or MacBook [Updated for 2023]

With advancements in technology, we heavily rely on laptops for numerous tasks in our personal and professional lives. Read More >>

Restore Files After Reinstalling macOS from iCloud

Another way to recover data after reinstalling macOS is by using an iCloud backup. If you uploaded a backup of your important data to iCloud before reinstalling the operating system, you can use this method. If so, restoring your data is very straightforward.

To retrieve data from an iCloud backup, do this:

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to iCloud.com, then sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Go to the “Advanced” tab and select “Restore files.”

Step 3: To restore your contacts, bookmarks, and calendar reminders, go to Advanced and choose the appropriate options.

Step 4: Select the backups you want, or tap “Select All” to restore everything. Then choose “Restore.”

When it's done, any files that were on your Mac and were uploaded to iCloud before you erased macOS will be restored to your computer.

Please provide the English content you want translated, and I'll translate it into Chinese for you as soon as possible.

 

How to Recover Deleted Photos from iCloud on Mac

To recover deleted photos from iCloud on your Mac, you need to have enabled iCloud services on your macOS device beforehand. Learn More >>

Reinstall macOS Without Losing Your Files

Well, due to poor performance or hardware glitches, you might need to upgrade or reinstall macOS on your Mac. Now, a lot of users get worried that doing a reinstallation could mean losing their data. But fear not, there are two solutions for that.

Step 1. Turn on your Mac and immediately press “Command + R,” “Option + Command + R,” or “Shift + Option + Command + R.”

Step 2: Release the keys when you see the Apple logo, a spinning globe, or a prompt for your firmware password.

Step 3: In the Utilities window, choose Reinstall macOS, then click Continue.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to select the hard drive on which you want to install the operating system, and proceed with the installation.

Step 4. Do not close the lid of your MacBook during the installation, and try not to switch windows. Your Mac may restart several times or show a white screen while reinstalling macOS. Wait patiently for the installation to finish.

### Protecting Your Files When Reinstalling macOS Before reinstalling macOS, it's crucial to back up all your important files. Here are several methods to safeguard your data: 1. **Backup with Time Machine**: - Connect an external hard drive to your Mac. - Open the `Time Machine` app (found in `Applications` > `Utilities`). - Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the backup. This will back up your entire system, including documents, photos, music, and apps. 2. **Use Alternative Backup Solutions**: - If you prefer not to use Time Machine, you can utilize third-party backup software like Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper!. - Make sure to follow the software's instructions to safely back up your files to an external storage device. 3. **Manually Move Files**: - For a few critical files, you can move them directly to an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage service (such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox). 4. **iTunes Media Library**: - If you have iTunes music, movies, or TV shows, they usually sync to your Apple ID. Ensure you're signed in with the same Apple ID after reinstalling to redownload your media content. 5. **Apps and Settings**: - Many apps store their data and settings in cloud services (like Safari bookmarks and Chrome passwords). After reinstalling, just log in to your accounts, and they'll automatically restore. - For apps without cloud sync, note important settings or manually export data. 6. **System Preferences**: - Consider taking screenshots or noting key system preferences before reinstalling so you can easily reconfigure them later. 7. **Apple ID and iCloud**: - Make sure your Apple ID is linked to iCloud and enable iCloud Drive to back up your documents and other data. - Manage your account and sync options in `System Preferences` > `iCloud`. 8. **Recovery Partition**: - If your Mac has two startup disks (e.g., macOS and Windows), ensure the recovery partition is backed up in case you need to restore these additional operating systems. Once these steps are completed, you can proceed with reinstalling macOS knowing your files are secure and easily recoverable once the process is finished.

Want to know how to reinstall macOS without losing data? If so, we've got some tips and strategies to help you prevent data loss when reinstalling your Mac.

1. The most important and crucial advice is to back up your essential files before reinstalling macOS. 2. Backing up your data is the most effective way to prevent loss. You can use Time Machine for backup or transfer them to an external hard drive. 3. Make sure you have enough storage space before reinstalling macOS, to avoid installation interruptions due to insufficient space. 4. Ensure your Mac has at least half its battery charged, preferably fully charged. Also, make sure your system is connected to a stable and high-speed internet connection. 5. If you lose any files, you can use data recovery software. This application can help you recover lost files after reinstalling macOS.

Conclusions

You can choose to reinstall macOS without losing any data, or you can remove the internal storage device and start fresh with macOS. Whichever route you take, it's advisable to consider safeguarding your data by creating a backup plan or ensuring timely data recovery.

If you backed up your data before reinstallation, you can access it using the Time Machine application or the storage device where the backup is stored. However, if you didn't back up your data prior to reinstallation, it might be erased, and you can use tools like Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to assist in retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Files After Reinstalling macOS

Here are 4 additional questions about recovering files after reinstalling macOS. Click here to view the answers.

1. Can I recover my files after installing a new operating system?

Usually, the answer is yes. Replacing all the old system disk's contents with new Windows files is called reinstalling Windows. In this process, the files saved on the desktop (like documents, music, pictures, and so on) will be removed.

2. Does macOS Recovery erase everything?

No, Recovery Mode on a Mac does not permanently erase all content. If you want to erase your hard drive, you can do so using the Disk Utility while in Recovery Mode. Thus, using other features, such as restoring a Time Machine backup for your Mac, would not compromise your data.

How to recover deleted files on a Mac?

Data Recovery Wizard is a tool designed to help retrieve deleted files on a Mac. Here are the steps to recover deleted data from a MacBook or iMac: 1. First, download and install the Data Recovery Wizard software. 2. After installation, launch the application. 3. On the main interface, select the hard disk drive from which you want to recover data, which is typically your Macintosh HD. 4. Click "Start Scan" to search for deleted files. The software will perform a thorough scan to find all recoverable items. 5. Once the scanning process is complete, the software will display all found files. Use the search function to locate specific files. 6. Preview the selected files to ensure they are recoverable. For images and other supported file types, you can directly preview their content. 7. Choose the files you want to recover and click the "Recover" button. Select a safe location to save these files, avoiding overwriting any potentially lost data. 8. Wait for the recovery process to finish. Avoid using your Mac for other tasks during this time to prevent interference. Please note that the chances of successful recovery might decrease if the files have been permanently deleted or if there is physical damage to the hard drive. It's recommended to use a data recovery tool as soon as possible after deleting important files to increase the likelihood of recovery.

1. Install and launch the Mac Data Recovery Wizard. 2. After selecting the drive you need to scan, click "Search for Lost Files." 3. Upon completion of the scan, choose the desired files and preview them. 4. Then, click "Recover" to retrieve your lost Mac data.

4. Does macOS Have Built-in Data Recovery?

All current versions of the Mac operating system come with a built-in data backup and recovery tool called “Time Machine.” This utility allows you to back up all your files on a regular basis, so you can use it to restore any deleted or accidentally lost data.