How to factory reset macbook

Whether you’re preparing to sell your MacBook, giving it away, or just looking to start fresh after years of accumulated clutter, knowing how to perform a factory reset is essential. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your device has been running sluggishly, or maybe you’re simply ready to wipe your personal data and begin anew. Whatever your reason may be, ensuring that you’re equipped with the right knowledge can make the process smooth and stress-free. In this post, we will guide you through the steps to safely and effectively factory reset your MacBook.

To factory reset your MacBook, go to the Apple menu, select “Restart,” and hold down Command (⌘) + R while the computer reboots. Once in Recovery Mode, select “Disk Utility,” erase your startup disk, exit Disk Utility, and then choose “Reinstall macOS” to complete the factory reset.

To elaborate, start by backing up any important data, as a factory reset will erase everything on your device. Once you’re ready, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “Restart.” As your Mac reboots, immediately hold down the Command (⌘) and R keys simultaneously until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This action will take you to Recovery Mode.

In Recovery Mode, you’ll first want to select “Disk Utility” from the macOS Utilities window and click “Continue.” Identify your startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”), select it, and then click “Erase.” Choose the format as “macOS Extended (Journaled)” or “APFS,” then confirm to erase the drive. After the process is complete, exit Disk Utility.

Once you’re back at the macOS Utilities screen, select “Reinstall macOS” and follow the on-screen instructions. This process will download the latest compatible version of macOS for your device. After the installation is complete, your MacBook will restart and display the initial setup screen, just like it did when you first got it, allowing you to set it up as new or power it down for its new owner.