Create a Bootable Installer for macOS

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You can use a USB flash drive or another external volume as a startup disk to install macOS. These steps are meant for system administrators and experienced users.

Do you need a bootable installer?

You don’t need a bootable installer to upgrade or reinstall macOS. Most people can update using Software Update or the App Store. A bootable installer is useful when:

  • Other installation methods don’t work
  • You want to install macOS on multiple Macs without downloading the installer each time

Connect and rename a USB flash drive

  1. Connect a USB flash drive (or another external volume) directly to your Mac.
  2. Make sure it has enough space. A 32GB flash drive works for all installers. For older versions, 16GB is usually enough.
  3. Rename the drive to MyVolume. The Terminal commands below expect this name.
  4. Remember: the drive will be erased during the process.

List of Commands

  • Sequoia:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • Sonoma:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • Ventura:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • Monterey:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • Big Sur:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • Catalina:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • Mojave:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • High Sierra:sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
  • El Capitan:sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia -

Use Terminal to create the bootable installer

  1. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder in Applications, or search for it with Spotlight.
  2. Copy and paste the command above that matches the macOS installer in your Applications folder, then press Return.
  3. Enter your administrator password when prompted. Terminal won’t show characters as you type.
  4. Type Y when asked to confirm erasing the volume, then press Return.
  5. Wait while Terminal erases the drive and copies the installer. If Terminal asks for permission to access removable volumes, click OK.
  6. When finished, your flash drive will be renamed to match the installer (for example, Install macOS Ventura).
  7. Quit Terminal, then eject and disconnect the flash drive.

Use the bootable installer

Your Mac must be connected to the internet during installation to get firmware updates and model-specific information.

Mac with Apple silicon

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Connect the bootable installer.
  3. Press and hold the power button until startup options appear.
  4. Select the bootable installer, then click Continue.
  5. When the installer opens, follow the onscreen instructions.

Any other Mac

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Connect the bootable installer.
  3. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Option (Alt) key.
  4. Release when you see startup volumes. Select the bootable installer, then press Return or click the arrow.
  5. If your Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip and won’t start from the installer, check Startup Security Utilityand allow booting from external media.
  6. Choose your language if asked.
  7. Select Install macOS (or Install OS X) from the Utilities window, then click Continue.

Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash