How to install macOS Sonoma from scratch

With the recent announcement of macOS Sonoma, many users want not only to update but also to start from scratch for a smoother and error-free experience. Fortunately, on Macs with Apple silicon chips and Intel Macs with T2 chips, this process is easier than ever. Let’s see how to install macOS Sonoma from scratch.

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Why a clean installation

Performing a clean installation can help eliminate those small errors accumulated over time, as well as free up space occupied by unwanted files. Before starting, however, it’s crucial to back up all our data using Time Machine or any other method. We won’t be using that copy, but it’s important to have it just in case.

Now, we can update to macOS Sonoma. Yes, update first, and then we’ll ensure the installation is clean. Here are the steps to follow for the update:

1. Click on the Apple menu () and select System Preferences.
2. Go to General.
3. Click on Software Update.
4. Click on Update Now and wait for the download and update to complete.

In Sonoma, Apple has incorporated an option similar to that of iPhones and iPads: Erase all content and settings. This is the one we will use to achieve a clean installation with just a press of a button. The steps to follow are as follows:

1. Click on the Apple menu () and select System Preferences.
2. Go to General.
3. Click on Transfer or Reset.
4. Choose Erase all content and settings.
5. Enter your Mac password.
6. Review all the information that will be deleted and click Continue.
7. Confirm by clicking Erase all content and settings.

After your Mac restarts, you’ll see the welcome message, indicating that the Setup Assistant is ready. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to set up your computer as needed. Alternatively, you can transfer information from a Time Machine backup.

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And thus, with these simple steps, we will have performed a clean installation of macOS Sonoma. With 61 reasons to upgrade as soon as possible, this is a way to start fresh on our Mac that, thanks to the options provided by the system itself, can be done in just a few minutes.