How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for macOS - Beginner's Guide

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for macOS - A Beginner's Guide

In the realm of computer technology, the process of creating a bootable USB drive for macOS could arguably be considered a rite of passage. Whether you're doing it in order to troubleshoot issues on your Mac, create a backup system, or install a clean version of the operating system, mastering this skill can be incredibly valuable.

Primarily, a bootable USB drive for macOS is like having an emergency tool you can rely on when ordinary startup methods fail. But before we delve into the steps on how to create one, let's learn more about what it is exactly.

What is a bootable USB drive for macOS?

A bootable USB for macOS is essentially a USB containing a bootable macOS installer. You can connect this USB to any Mac device and boot it directly into an installation of macOS. Especially for system administrators or those who frequently work with macOS hardware, this can be a life-saver.

Why do you need a bootable USB Flash Drive?

Creating a bootable drive has several benefits. Primarily, it's a way of ensuring that you can install or re-install your system's operating system, even if your computer runs into problems or if your hard drive commits an unexpected exit. Also, if you're upgrading or maintaining numerous Macs, it provides a handy and efficient tool.

Moving forward, here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a bootable USB drive for macOS.

Step-by-step guide to create a bootable USB Drive for macOS

Creating a bootable USB drive may seem daunting if you're new to it, but once you've walked through the process, you'll find it’s not all that complicated. This guide will be using the Terminal method, which involves using inbuilt commands already on your Mac.

Materials Needed

Before we dive in, ensure you've the following materials:

1. A USB flash drive with at least 16 GB storage.

2. A copy of the macOS installer.

Step 1: Format USB Drive

Start by connecting your USB drive to your Mac. Then, use the Disk Utility tool to format it. Ensure it is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and the Scheme is GUID Partition Map.

Step 2: Download macOS Installer

Download a copy of the macOS installer from the App Store. Depending on your internet speed, this could take some time.

Step 3: Access Terminal

Next, you will need to open Terminal. You can locate Terminal via Spotlight search or within your Utilities folder.

Step 4: Enter Terminal Command

Once Terminal is open, it's time to enter the command to create your bootable USB drive. The command changes with each version of macOS.

For example, for macOS Catalina, you would use:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

Replace “Untitled” with the name of your USB drive.

Step 5: Boot from the USB Drive

Now, with your freshly created bootable USB, restart your Mac and hold down the Option key as it boots up. You can then select the USB drive as your startup disk and proceed with MacOS installation.

Wrapping Up

Et Voila! You've successfully created a bootable USB drive for your macOS. It's easier done than said, really. Understanding these steps can be your ticket to self-sufficiency when it comes to managing and troubleshooting your computer system. Remember, practice makes perfect. Happy booting!