How Can I Install macOS from a USB Drive?

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How Can I Install macOS from a USB Drive?

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So, you’re thinking about installing macOS from a USB drive? Let’s make it happen! Here’s what you need and how to do it:

What You’ll Need:

  • A USB drive with at least 16GB capacity.
  • The macOS installer you’ve downloaded from the App Store.
  • Your trusty Mac.

Steps to Get There:

Snag the macOS Installer:

Head over to the App Store and grab the installer for the macOS version you want. It’ll land right in your Applications folder. Easy peasy!

Prep Your USB Drive:

  • Stick the USB into your Mac.
  • Open Disk Utility by going to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  • From the list on the left, click on your USB drive.
  • Choose “Erase,” pick “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” format, and give it a name like “macOSInstaller.”
  • Hit “Erase” and watch the magic happen.

Make That USB Bootable:

  • Fire up Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
  • Punch in this command, swapping “Mojave” for whichever macOS version you’re dealing with:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/macOSInstaller

Hit Enter, pop in your admin password, and let the command take care of business.

Time to Install macOS:

  • Restart your Mac. While it’s booting, hold down the Option key.
  • When the Startup Manager pops up, use the arrow keys to pick your bootable USB drive and hit Enter.
  • You’ll now be in the macOS Utilities window. Pick “Install macOS” and just roll with the instructions on the screen.
  • Choose where you want the macOS installed—your main hard drive, maybe? Then follow along till it’s done.

Troubleshooting Tidbits:

  • Double-check that your Mac is good to go with the macOS version.
  • If your Mac doesn’t recognize the USB, try switching USB ports or stash it in a different USB drive.
  • Ensure your USB drive’s large enough and correctly formatted.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be running macOS from your USB drive like a champ. If hiccups persist, Apple’s support page or forum folks are always there to lend a hand.

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