Step 1: Backup your existing installationĪs you’re going to completely clean install macOS Monterey, your computer’s drive and all of the files stored on it will be completely wiped and replaced by the new operating system. Here’s the official list of supported devices:

You can still clean install macOS Monterey on an older Intel machine, but it’s worth noting that most computers over 5-6 years old probably won’t be compatible. MacOS Monterey is the first major release from Apple that will contain features that only work with the new Apple M1 chips found in the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini - and a further tier of features will only work on the more powerful 16 GB versions of those devices. Will you risk losing any of your files?ĭoes the idea of wiping your current operating system fill you with dread? Well, with our step-by-step guide, you needn’t worry about losing any of your precious files, and we’ll help you to create several backup options just in case things don’t work out according to plan.Ĭonvinced? Great! Let’s dive right in… Is your Mac compatible? It will also remove any transient files and incorrect settings in your Library folder - things that could potentially cause issues days, weeks, and months down the road. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this “standard” method of installation, but wiping the disk entirely and performing a true “clean install” will remove any potential problems, from outdated or third-party software. Typically, when you’re offered an operating system upgrade from the Apple App Store, you’re encouraged to simply download the new version and to overwrite your existing setup, without wiping the entire disk and erasing your data.

When we talk about a “clean install” of macOS Monterey, we mean erasing the main disk of all its files and then installing the new operating system on the freshly wiped drive. Why perform a clean install of macOS Monterey?

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the steps required to clean install macOS Monterey, including backing up your existing files and creating a bootable USB stick that will be used to perform the installation. Apple released macOS 12 Monterey on Monday, October 25. MacOS 12 Monterey is the name of Apple’s latest operating system, an evolution of the current Big Sur platform that offers new features and tweaks to some of the Cupertino giant’s most popular apps and services.

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