Are you looking to breathe new life into your Mac? Maybe you’ve encountered persistent issues or you simply want to start from scratch with a clean slate. A clean install of macOS High Sierra can be the answer to your Mac rejuvenation. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to perform a clean install of High Sierra, ensuring your Mac runs smoothly and efficiently.
Part 1: What Is the macOS High Sierra?
macOS High Sierra is the fourteenth major release of Apple’s desktop operating system for Mac computers. It was announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2017 and officially released to the public in September 2017. High Sierra is a successor to macOS Sierra and was designed to refine and enhance the macOS experience while introducing several new features and under-the-hood improvements. Here are some of the key features and changes introduced in macOS High Sierra:
APFS (Apple File System): High Sierra introduced the new Apple File System, replacing the older HFS+ file system. APFS is designed to be faster, more secure, and more efficient, with features like native encryption, crash protection, and better file management.
Metal 2: High Sierra includes Metal 2, an updated graphics technology that improves the performance and capabilities of Mac graphics. It’s particularly beneficial for gaming, virtual reality, and professional applications.
Virtual Reality: macOS High Sierra provides support for virtual reality (VR) content development and consumption. This is essential for developers and users interested in VR experiences.
High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC): HEVC, also known as H.265, offers improved video compression, meaning better video quality at smaller file sizes. It’s beneficial for video streaming and storage.
Safari Enhancements: The Safari web browser received several performance improvements, including faster JavaScript performance, autoplay blocking for videos, and intelligent tracking prevention to enhance user privacy.
Photos App Updates: The Photos app received improvements in High Sierra, including a better user interface, new editing tools, and support for external editors like Photoshop. It also supports new photo and video formats.
Siri Improvements: Siri got a few updates, including a more natural voice, the ability to perform music-related tasks, and the option to provide results for broader queries.
Mail Enhancements: The Mail app in High Sierra added a few features like split-view, improved search, and a redesigned interface for composing emails.
Security Enhancements: High Sierra introduced various security features, such as Secure Boot improvements, native encryption for all-flash storage, and more robust privacy controls.
Autoplay Blocking: The new OS includes the ability to block autoplaying video and audio on websites by default in Safari, providing a less intrusive browsing experience.
macOS High Sierra was a bridge between macOS Sierra and later macOS versions like macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, and macOS Big Sur, which continued to build upon these changes and introduce new features and improvements. The naming convention for macOS is based on geographical locations in California, and High Sierra refers to the High Sierra mountain range in California.
Part 2: Why We Should Upgrade to MacOS High Sierra?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, macOS High Sierra had been succeeded by newer macOS versions, such as macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, and possibly more recent versions. Therefore, you might be considering an upgrade to a more recent macOS version. However, if you were considering an upgrade to macOS High Sierra or a similarly older version, here are some reasons why you might have wanted to do so at the time:
Security Updates: Upgrading to a newer version of macOS typically includes important security updates and patches. Older versions may have vulnerabilities that are no longer being addressed by Apple, so upgrading to a more recent macOS version can help protect your system from security threats.
Performance Improvements: Newer macOS versions often include performance optimizations, which can make your Mac run more efficiently and smoothly. These improvements can result in faster application launches, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance.
New Features: Each macOS update brings new features, enhancements, and capabilities. High Sierra introduced features like the Apple File System (APFS), Metal 2 graphics technology, and support for virtual reality, which may have been appealing if you had compatible hardware and software needs.
App Compatibility: As macOS versions evolve, application developers may update their software to be compatible with the latest versions. By upgrading to a newer macOS version, you can ensure that your apps will continue to work seamlessly and receive updates.
Compatibility with New Hardware: Newer macOS versions often offer better compatibility with the latest Mac hardware. If you purchase a new Mac, it may come with the latest macOS version pre-installed.
User Interface Improvements: macOS updates frequently bring improvements to the user interface, making it more visually appealing and user-friendly.
iCloud Integration: Upgrading can provide access to new iCloud features and improvements, which can be useful for syncing data across devices and accessing files and documents from any location.
Continued Support: Apple tends to provide ongoing support and updates for the most recent macOS versions. Older versions eventually reach a point where they no longer receive updates or support, which could leave your system vulnerable to security threats and compatibility issues.
If you’re contemplating an upgrade, I recommend checking for the latest macOS version available at the time and researching the specific features, improvements, and compatibility for your Mac and your specific needs. Also, ensure that your hardware is compatible with the newer macOS version, as Apple may drop support for older Mac models in more recent releases.
Part 3: How to Prepare Your Mac for the Clean Install?
Preparing your Mac for a clean install is an essential step to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process. Here’s what you need to do before performing a clean install of macOS:
Back-Up Your Data: The most crucial step is to back up all your important data. A clean install erases your hard drive, and you will lose everything. Use Time Machine or any other backup method to create a full backup of your Mac’s data on an external drive or network-attached storage (NAS) device.
Verify System Requirements: Ensure that your Mac meets the system requirements for the version of macOS you plan to install. Check Apple’s official website or the macOS version’s system requirements to confirm compatibility.
Download macOS Installer: Download the macOS installer from the Mac App Store or an official Apple source. If you plan to perform a clean install of an older macOS version, you may need to access it from your purchase history in the App Store.
Create a Bootable Installer: You can create a bootable USB installer for macOS. This will be essential for the clean install. Here’s how to create a bootable installer using the Terminal:
Insert an 8GB or larger USB drive. Open Terminal. Use the “createinstallmedia” command with the macOS installer app to create a bootable installer. For example:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ [macOS Version].app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/[USB Drive Name]
Replace [macOS Version] with the name of the macOS installer and [USB Drive Name] with the name of your USB drive. This process will erase the USB drive.
Check Hardware and Software Compatibility: Ensure that your hardware and any essential software are compatible with the macOS version you plan to install. Some older Macs may not support the latest macOS versions.
Deauthorize Software: Deauthorize any software, such as iTunes, that is tied to your Mac. This is especially important if you plan to reinstall the software after the clean install.
Create a List of Installed Apps: Make a list of all the apps you currently have installed on your Mac. You’ll need this list to help you reinstall them after the clean install.
Locate License Keys and Serial Numbers: If you have paid apps or software that require a license key or serial number, make sure you have access to these before the clean install. You’ll need them to reactivate the software.
Unpair Devices: If you have paired Bluetooth devices (e.g., a keyboard or mouse), consider unpairing them to avoid potential issues during and after the clean install.
Prepare for Internet Connection: Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection. You may need to download updates, drivers, or additional software during or after the clean install.
Make a Bootable Backup (Optional): If you’re particularly concerned about data loss, consider making a bootable backup of your current system using software like Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper. This backup can be used to restore your system if something goes wrong during the clean install.
Once you’ve completed these preparation steps, you should be ready to proceed with the clean install of macOS on your Mac. Follow the specific instructions for your macOS version to perform the clean install.
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