Clean Install macOS Sonoma: Latest Update Steps

Jaden updated on Apr 09, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

The latest version of Apple's Mac operating system, macOS Sonoma, adds numerous useful features. If you're a Mac user, you need the latest macOS to take advantage of Apple's bug fixes, security updates, and new features. Users are eager to test macOS Sonoma's new capabilities following its latest release. However, the "Clean Install macOS Sonoma" issue that some users may get throughout the installation procedure is understandably frustrating.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
1. Download from General Settings Go to the Apple Developer site and sign in with your Apple ID, or make...Full steps
2. Create the Bootable Installer Insert a 16-GB USB flash drive into your Mac. Find Disk Utility in the Applications...Full steps
3. From Bootable Installer From the list of choices, choose the disk that may be used to install the software and hit...Full steps
4. All Content and Settings Restart your Mac by going to the Apple menu and selecting Restart...Full steps

To resolve this problem and guarantee a smooth installation, familiarity with the new capabilities of macOS Sonoma and its prerequisites is essential. Some of Sonoma's highlights are the new user interface, greater multitasking, and increased privacy and security.

This article will provide Mac users with the knowledge they need to do a clean installation of macOS Sonoma, taking advantage of all the new features and improvements. Let's look into the rationale for a fresh install and then walk users through the processes required to make the update go off without a hitch.

 
Sonoma download

Download macOS 14 Sonoma Beta on Mac, MacBook

Are you looking forward to downloading macOS 14 Beta? It's Apple's 2023 big macOS version for its attractive Mac models. Read more >>

Why a Clean Installation of macOS Sonoma Is Needed

When updating to macOS Sonoma, it is strongly suggested that users complete a clean installation. A clean installation eliminates all remnants of the old OS and provides a blank slate to build the new one. Here we'll look at four arguments favoring a clean install of macOS Sonoma and why they're so persuasive.

🚀Reason 1. Enjoying more stability and responsiveness

You may fix any incompatibilities or conflicts developed over time by reinstalling everything from scratch. This makes the system more reliable and quick so that you may use macOS Sonoma to its fullest capacity without sluggishness.

🤝Reason 2. Better compatibility with applications

If you want your apps to run well with macOS Sonoma, install the operating system cleanly. It's useful for keeping legacy software functioning with the latest macOS version. If you start with a blank slate, you'll find it easy to use with various programs.

🗂️Reason 3. Removing unnecessary clutter and old system files

Collecting temporary files, caches, and obsolete system files slows your Mac. You may optimize your Mac's speed and free up hard drive space by doing a clean installation.

⛑️Reason 4. Improving security and privacy

New in macOS Sonoma are measures to keep your information and identity safe. If you're worried about probable security defects in your existing setup, a clean installation is the best way to ensure they're included from the ground up.

How to Clean Install macOS Sonoma

It's important to back up your important information before installing macOS Sonoma cleanly. Be careful to make a copy of any irreplaceable data on an external drive or in the cloud before continuing with the installation. After backing up your files, use the solutions below to clean and install macOS Sonoma.

Method 1. Download Sonoma from General Settings

Step 1. Go to the Apple Developer site and sign in with your Apple ID, or make one if you don't already have one.

Step 2. Go to "Settings" and click on "General".

Step 3. Click "Software Update".

Step 4. Click on the "i" button next to where it says "Beta updates."

Step 5. Select the "macOS Sonoma Developer Beta".

macOS Sonoma Developer Beta

Step 6. Click "Upgrade Now" and then "Install Now" when it's finished downloading.

Install Now

Method 2. Create the Bootable Installer

Step 1. Insert a 16-GB USB flash drive into your Mac.

Step 2. Find "Disk Utility" in the Applications' Utilities subdirectory.

Step 3. Select your plugged-in USB drive from the list of storage devices.

Step 4. Rename and format the drive, then click "Erase." Set file format to "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)."

Step 5. Exit Disk Utility after deletion is complete.

Step 6. Launch Terminal from your Mac's Utilities folder under Applications.

Step 7. Type this into Terminal: sudo /Applications/Install macOSonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/[USB Flash Drive Name]

Launch Terminal from your Mac

Step 8. When asked, type in your administrator password and press Enter.

Step 9. The installation media will be created.

Method 3. Install macOS from the Bootable Installer

Step 1. Start up your Mac while holding the Option key.

Step 2. When the "Startup Manager" screen opens, remove the Option key.

Step 3. From the list of choices, choose the disk that may be used to install the software and hit "Enter".

Step 4. Start the setup for macOS Sonoma. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue.

Step 5. Select the right target drive for installation.

Step 6. Hold off until the installation is finished. Time may be required for this.

Step 7. When the update is finished, your Mac will restart, and you'll see the macOS Sonoma setup screen.

 
Sonoma download

How to Upgrade to macOS 14 [macOS Sonoma]

The macOS 14, as known as Sonoma, is the latest operating system from Apple and was published on the 5th. June. Read more >>

Method 4. All Content and Settings

Step 1. Restart your Mac by going to the Apple menu and selecting "Restart."

Step 2. While waiting for your device to restart, press the Command + R keys until the Apple or Globe sign shows.

command r

Step 3. Stop holding down the keys when the macOS Utilities window appears.

Step 4. Pick "Reinstall macOS" from the utility menu in macOS, then hit "Continue."

Step 5. Follow the steps on the screen to finish reinstalling. This will wipe all user data and install a clean copy of macOS Sonoma.

You may use these instructions to install macOS Sonoma from scratch. If you're ready for a new and improved macOS experience, you may choose your preferred installation method and get right in.

If you want a more consistent, compatible, and safe computing experience, downloading the macOS Sonoma update is the right way for you. This section provides detailed instructions for installing macOS Sonoma from scratch, facilitating a trouble-free upgrade. Share this post to get more people to know the clean installation of macOS 14.

 

How to Recover Data When macOS 14 Installation Failed

The fear of losing information is understandable if you run into trouble installing macOS Sonoma and need to reinstall the operating system. Data recovery software is highly recommended for protecting sensitive data. You should check out EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac if you're a Mac user.

File system errors, crashes, unintentional deletions, and similar scenarios may all result in losing important data; however, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a sophisticated data recovery application that can help you recover permanently deleted files Mac. Because of its intuitive design, even inexperienced users may quickly and easily recover lost data.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac's key features include the following:

  • Various sorts of items, such as documents, images, movies, audio files, emails, and more, may be recovered with the program.
  • It provides both a rapid and a deep scan option, allowing you to look for any deleted files on your Mac in the manner that most suit you.
  • Mac hard drive recovery: thanks to selective recovery, you may choose which files to restore instead of recovering everything.

Following the steps below will help you recover lost data utilizing EaseUS Data Recovery for Mac:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Software in Recovery Mode

Select "Utilities > Terminal" from the top menu, and enter the command sh <(curl https://d3.easeus.com/mac/boot.sh). Hit "Return". Wait for the application to open, and it will take several minutes.

launch EaseUS software in Recovery Mode

Note: If the Terminal displays either "No such file or directory" or "Could not resolve host," you should verify that the command line you entered is correctly spelled, ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection, and confirm that your macOS version is not lower than macOS 10.15.

Step 2. Select the Volume on Your Mac Hard Drive

Select the volume where your lost data is stored, and click "Search for lost files". The EaseUS software will quickly locate all the recoverable data on the selected volume.

Select the Volume on Your Mac Hard Drive

Step 3. Choose the Lost Data You Want

EaseUS software categorizes the scanned recoverable data by file type and storage path. Find the data you want by clicking "Type" or "Path" in the left panel. Then, check the boxes in front of the data you want to recover.

Choose the Lost Data You Want

Step 4. Recover and Save Data on an External Disk

Click the "Recover" button, and a pop-up window will show up saying, "Please select a target location to save". Choose the external disk as the new storage location of your recovered data.

Recover and Save Data on an External Disk

Final Words

Better stability, program compatibility, speed, and a clean slate are just some advantages you'll enjoy after installing macOS Sonoma. If you wipe the slate clean, you may improve your setup and have a more pleasant time using it. However, data security must be a top concern throughout the setup. In the event of an installation error, you may restore lost or deleted files by using a backup and a reputable data recovery program, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

In addition, you should look at Mac repairs and other tricks to enhance your macOS Sonoma experience. To get the most out of your Mac and keep it running smoothly, use the latest updates, use effective troubleshooting methods, and take advantage of system optimization tools.

Remember that you can't stress enough how crucial data recovery programs are. It's a failsafe if important files are accidentally destroyed or lost during the clean installation. To this end, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac has shown to be an effective and trustworthy program.

Clean Install macOS Sonoma FAQs

Here are 4 additional questions about clean installing macOS Sonoma. Check here for the answers.

1. Is it worth doing a clean install of macOS Sonoma?

Yes, a clean install of macOS Sonoma should be considered, as it gives the system a new beginning, boosts performance, and eliminates any problems that prior installs may have caused.

2. Does factory resetting a Mac remove all the data?

Yes, restoring a Mac to its default settings using the factory reset menu will delete all data. Making copies of your data before doing a factory reset is crucial.

3. Does updating the Mac operating system delete everything?

No, upgrading the Mac OS does not wipe all data. If you want to protect your data after a large system upgrade, you should back it up first.

4. How do I install the Sonoma beta on Mac?

You may install the beta version of macOS Sonoma on your Mac by enrolling in the Apple Beta Software Program, downloading the beta profile, and then following the installation instructions supplied by Apple.

Was This Page Helpful?

 

Updated by Finley

Finley is interested in reading and writing articles about technical knowledge. Her articles mainly focus on file repair and data recovery.

Read full bio

Written by Jaden

Jaden is one of the editors of EaseUS who lives and works in Chengdu, China. She focuses on topics concerning PCs and Mac data recovery. Jaden is committed to enhancing professional IT knowledge and writing abilities. She is always keen on new and intelligent products.

Read full bio

Totalav antivirus software

EaseUS Data Recovery Services

Request a free evaluation >>

EaseUS data recovery experts have uneaqualed expertise to repair disks/systems and salvage data from all devices like RAID, HDD, SSD, USB, etc.