How to Create a Bootable USB Installer for MacOS

Creating a bootable macOS installer is an essential process for installing macOS if your system is running slow (or if you want to make a clean macOS installation). If you want to perform a Quick and Clean MacOS Installation, you must Create a Bootable USB Installer. Keeping this in mind, we have crafted this article that not only covers the primary method using Terminal but also provides prerequisites, additional methods, and tips for ensuring a smooth process.

Prerequisite:

• USB Stick (16GB minimum)
• macOS installer
• Administrator Access

Before you Begin:

• Ensure to download the macOS installer from the official source
• For older macOS versions, visit the official macOS download page.
• Ensure that your system is compatible for the version that you're to download and install.

Method 1: Using Terminal

macOS terminal is one of the easiest and the most reliable method to create a bootable USB stick installer for a fresh installation. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Connect the USB drive and Open macOS Applications Folder

Insert the USB drive into your macOS. Now press Command + Space and type "Applications" and click to open it.

Step 2: Navigate to Utilities and Select the Drive to Format

Once you open the "Application Folder", click on "Utilities", select the USB drive from there and click to start the formatting.

• Select Format type as "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)"
  • with GUID Partition Map
• Click "Erase" to prepare a fresh drive.

Step 3: Press Command + Space and type Terminal

Open terminal by pressing Command + space (and type terminal & hit Return) or Navigate to Applications > utilities > Terminal

Step 4: Run the Createinstallmedia Command within the Terminal

Now, use the following command start this action.

Note: Replace [version name] with your current macOS version and MyVolume with the USB's name

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Step 5: Authenticate Password, Confirm the Erase and Complete the Installer

Now, enter your Mac's admin passkey when prompted and type Y to confirm that the USB will be formatted. Now, terminal will start copying data to disk and the progress will be displayed for the macOS Ventura version as displayed below:

Step 6: Boot from the Installer to Complete the Set up

Once the installer is completed, turn off the machine and hold the option (Alt) key and turn on your MacBook and select the bootable USB installer from the startup options. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installer.

• For Intel Macs: Hold Command + R during the startup to enter the macOS recovery mode.

Method 2: Using macOS Disk Utility

If you find difficulty during first method, you can manually copy the macOS installer to a formatted USB drive. Here's what you can do:

Note: This method can not work alone, you will be required to make USB bootable (using terminal - createinstallmedia command) as mentioned-above after copying the installer.

Step 1: Open Applications and Navigate to Utilities

Press Command + Space and type "Utilities" and hit the Return button from your MacBook keyboard.

Step 2: Select the USB Drive & Format as macOS Extended

Once you open the "Application Folder", click on "Utilities", select the USB drive from there and click to start the formatting.

• Select Format type as "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)"
  • with GUID Partition Map
• Click "Erase" to prepare a fresh drive.

Step 3: Copy the Installer & Make bootable

Now drag & drop the installer into the formatted USB drive (in Finder) and open the terminal and perform the createinstallmedia command (just like method - 1 ). This will create a fresh (Big Sur) macos installer in your machine.

Step 4: Boot from the Installer to Complete the Set up

Once the installer is completed, turn off the machine and hold the option (Alt) key and turn on your MacBook and select the bootable installer from the startup options. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installer.

• For Intel Macs: Hold Command + R during the startup to enter the macOS recovery mode.

Alternate Method: Using Third-Party Software

• DiskMaker X: One of the most popular utility app that automates your installer within few clicks.
• Disk Creator: This is an alternative hassle-free software to create a bootable installer in macOS.

Conclusion

By following these steps, we can easily create a bootable installer in macOS and any user can do it any day without any hassle. All you need is the right approach and right version to perform this action. The rest of the work will be done by your MacOS Terminal Application. Also, you need to be cautious while putting the Command in MacOS Terminal as a minor mistake can even cause a big issue.

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Article Tags :

• TechTips
• MacOS Tricks
• How To
• MacOS