How you do this depends on the chip inside your computer. In order to access the options for wiping your data and reinstalling the operating system, you need to enter macOS Recovery. The other option for resetting your Mac is Disk Utility, which is available to all users.

Erase Data and Reinstall macOS With Disk Utility Otherwise, you can go through the setup assistant as if you are setting up your Mac for the first time.

If you don't plan on keeping this computer, you're done.

Once complete, your Mac will be returned to factory settings. Click Open Time Machine to create it, if you haven't already done so.Įnter your password to sign out of your Apple ID, then let the erase process finish. Along with erasing all settings, media, apps, and data for all accounts and volumes on the drive, the tool will also sign you out of iCloud, delete Touch ID fingerprints, disable location services, unpair Bluetooth devices, and remove Apple Wallet items.Īt this time, you have one final chance to create a Time Machine backup before continuing. Open System Preferences > Erase All Content and Settings in the menu bar.Įnter your admin password in Erase Assistant, then review the items that will be removed. If you're running macOS Monterey on an Apple silicon-based Mac or an Intel-based Mac with the Apple T2 chip, you now have the Erase Assistant tool. Remove All Data With Erase Assistant ToolĬertain Macs have a new option for erasing data. If you think you may still need what is on your hard drive, we advise you to first back it up through Time Machine or by syncing important files to iCloud. Best Malware Removal and Protection Softwareīe aware that once your computer has been reset, you will no longer be able to recover any deleted data that was left on the drive.

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