how to create a mac os x install flash drive for free

Create A Flash Drive Mac App Store
Create A Flash Drive Upgrade Install Or

Tom Nelson is an engineer, programmer, network manager, and computer network and systems designer who has written for Other World Computing,and others.

Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years experience in technical support and IT fields.

He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses.

This is fine if you want to quickly install the new OS to replace an existing one.

But for a lot of users, theres a bit of housekeeping that needs to be done before installing the new OS.

Create A Flash Drive Mac App Store

It also helps in performing basic troubleshooting tasks, even if you have no connection to the internet or access to the Mac App Store.

One involves Disk Utility, Finder, hidden files, and a great deal of time and effort.

If you wish to use this method, you can follow our guide: How to Make a Bootable Flash Installer of OS X or macOS.

The other method is less involved, has fewer places where things can go wrong, and only involves a single app: Terminal.

Once the download is complete, the installer will start automatically.

We need the installer program to help us create a bootable installer, so its important that you not let the installer run.

These instructions will also work for other suitable bootable devices, including an external drive or internal drive, but well assume youre using a USB flash drive.

You can do this by double-clicking the devices name on the desktop and then typing a new name.

We suggest calling the drive elcapitaninstaller, but you can use any name youd like, provided there are no spaces or special characters.

If you do select a different name, youll need to modify the Terminal command we outline below with the flash drive name you selected.

The command is a single line of text, though your web browser may display it displayed as several lines.

If you used the drive name suggested above, you can copy and paste the complete line of text.

The terminal will execute the createinstallmedia command and display the status of the procedure.

Once Terminal completes the command, it will display the line Done, and then show the Terminal prompt waiting for a new command.

Create A Flash Drive Upgrade Install Or

You can use this bootable installer to perform any of the supported installation types, including an upgrade install or a clean install.

You can also use it as a bootable troubleshooting tool that includes an assortment of apps, including Disk Utility and Terminal.

How To Create A Mac Os X Install Flash Drive For Free