In the digital age, having a bootable USB drive with macOS can be a lifesaver for troubleshooting, system recovery, or even installing macOS on multiple devices. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive for macOS installation using Apple’s built-in tools: Disk Utility and Terminal. Whether you’re a seasoned Mac user or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will ensure you can complete the task with ease.
Why Create a Bootable macOS USB Drive?
A bootable macOS USB drive serves multiple purposes. It allows you to install macOS on a new or reformatted Mac, recover a malfunctioning system, or even test a new macOS version without affecting your primary system. Having a bootable drive is especially useful for IT professionals, developers, and anyone who frequently works with multiple Mac devices.
Additionally, a bootable USB drive can be a portable solution for troubleshooting. If your Mac encounters issues during startup, you can use the USB drive to boot into macOS and diagnose the problem. This guide will help you create such a drive efficiently.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the process, ensure you have the following:
- A USB drive with at least 16GB of storage (32GB recommended for newer macOS versions).
- A Mac computer running macOS.
- The macOS installer file (downloaded from the App Store).
- Basic familiarity with Terminal commands.
Once you’ve gathered these items, you’re ready to proceed.
Step 1: Format the USB Drive Using Disk Utility
The first step is to format your USB drive to ensure it’s compatible with macOS. Follow these instructions:
- Connect your USB drive to your Mac.
- Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
- Select your USB drive from the sidebar.
- Click Erase in the toolbar.
- Set the format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and the scheme to GUID Partition Map.
- Click Erase to confirm. This will format the drive and prepare it for the macOS installer.
Once the formatting is complete, your USB drive is ready for the next step.
Step 2: Download the macOS Installer
To create a bootable USB drive, you’ll need the macOS installer file. Here’s how to download it:
- Open the App Store on your Mac.
- Search for the macOS version you want to install (e.g., macOS Ventura, Monterey).
- Click Download to get the installer. The file will be saved in your Applications folder.
Ensure the download completes before proceeding. The installer file is typically around 12GB, so a stable internet connection is essential.
Step 3: Use Terminal to Create the Bootable USB Drive
With the USB drive formatted and the macOS installer downloaded, you can now use Terminal to create the bootable drive. Follow these steps:
- Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
- Enter the following command, replacing
MyVolumewith the name of your USB drive:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [Version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolumeFor example, if you’re creating a bootable drive for macOS Ventura and your USB drive is named USBDrive, the command would be:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USBDrivePress Enter and provide your admin password when prompted. The process may take 15-30 minutes, depending on your USB drive’s speed.
Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive
Once the bootable USB drive is ready, you can use it to install macOS on any compatible Mac. Here’s how:
- Insert the USB drive into the Mac where you want to install macOS.
- Restart the Mac and hold down the Option (⌥) key during startup.
- Select the USB drive from the startup menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS.
This method is particularly useful for clean installations or when upgrading to a new macOS version.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues during the process, consider the following tips:
- Ensure your USB drive is properly formatted and has sufficient storage.
- Double-check the Terminal command for typos or errors.
- Use a high-quality USB drive to avoid errors during the creation process.
- If the Mac doesn’t recognize the USB drive, try using a different USB port.
By following this guide, you’ll have a reliable bootable USB drive for macOS installation, ready for any situation.