how to reformat hard drive for mac without losing data

Read to know how to set up and back up a Mac using Time Machine.Īnother advantage of using Time Machine backup is that you can transfer the data to a new Mac easily with Migration Assistant afterwards. Mac's Time Machine software can back up the current operating system, apps, settings and user files. You need an external storage device with Mac OS Extended to back up your Mac with Time Machine. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you make a full backup of data before you proceed to factory reset a Mac. All your user settings and stored files ever since you turned on the computer for the first time will be completely cleaned up. Resetting a Mac to factory settings will force your Mac to return to the state when it leaves the manufacturing plant. We will walk you through the process to erase all content and settings. To wipe a MacBook includes erasing all saved files on Mac's internal hard drive, deleting personalized settings, and disconnecting the MacBook from services and software to avoid conflicts.īut you may be confused about how to erase the MacBook and how to delete connections on software and services. Unlike an iPhone or iPad, there is no reset button on your Mac, helping you erase it and restore it to factory settings with one click. If you have a Mac with Apple Silicon M1 chip, the steps to enter macOS Recovery and reinstall macOS Big Sur/macOS Monterey has changed, find all details in this post to reset an M1 Mac. Erase all your data and settings from your Mac.Then you can set up the Mac like a brand new one. To restore your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air to factory settings also can help resolve Mac crashing issues and other underperformance due to full storage, malfunctioning software, sticky viruses, or crashing operating system. Then the person the computer eventually goes to will not have the access to your account and your personal data. To factory reset a MacBook or a Mac is a big move, but it is necessary especially when you Prepare Mac for sale, trade-in, or donate this computer.

How to reformat hard drive for mac without losing data