Issue Description
A bootable macOS installer is required for clean installs, recovery, or reinstalling macOS on multiple Macs.
Common Causes
- macOS not booting
- Corrupt system files
- Need for offline installation
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Download macOS Installer
- Open App Store
- Download the required macOS version
- Quit installer when download completes
Step 2: Prepare USB Drive
- Insert 16GB+ USB drive
- Open Disk Utility
- Erase drive:
- Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
- Scheme: GUID Partition Map
- Name it MyUSB
Step 3: Create Installer Using Terminal
- Open Terminal
- Run (example for Ventura):
sudo /Applications/Install macOS Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/MyUSB
- Enter admin password
- Wait for completion
Step 4: Boot From USB
- Apple Silicon: Hold Power → choose USB
- Intel: Hold Option during startup
Explore Further
- Keep USB updated with latest macOS
Prevention & Best Practices
Label USB clearly to avoid erasing wrong drives.