Recommended Free Tools
You can usually reinstall macOS without a separate recovery partition by starting macOS Recovery—or, on an Intel Mac, Internet Recovery. The first step depends on your Mac’s processor: Apple silicon uses the power button and startup options; Intel uses keyboard shortcuts. Reinstalling is different from erasing and ordinarily keeps your apps and personal data, though Apple recommends backing up first.
First, identify your Mac and protect your data
Apple silicon and Intel Macs enter Recovery differently, so identify which processor family your Mac uses before following the steps. If the Mac still starts, back it up before troubleshooting. If you can reach Recovery, do not erase the startup disk unless you have a backup or accept losing its contents.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple says reinstalling macOS does not remove apps or personal data, but recommends making a backup before reinstalling. Erasing a disk deletes information and is a separate, destructive step.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Start macOS Recovery
Apple silicon
- Shut down the Mac.
- Press and hold the power button until startup options appear, then release it.
- Select Options, then Continue.
- If prompted, choose a startup volume and authenticate with a known user password.
Apple silicon uses this startup-options route rather than Intel’s Command-R shortcuts.
#1 Best Overall
- ✅8-IN-1 USB drive 3.2: Big Sur 11.7、Catalina 11.15.7、Mojave 11.14.6、High Sierra 11.13.6、El Capitan 10.11.6、Yosemite 10.10.5、Mavericks 10.9.5、Mountain-Lion 10.8.5, Can be fully installed on your Mac
- ✅1. Plug-In USB Drive
- ✅2. Holding the "Option" key , and Power On
- ✅3. it will appear startup menu, choose USB drive from startup menu
- ✅4. After that, the installation will begin.
Intel
Restart the Mac and immediately hold the keyboard shortcut that matches the macOS version you want to try:
| Shortcut | What it may offer | Internet required? |
|---|---|---|
| Command-R | Reinstalls the current or most recently installed macOS. | Recovery installation needs a working internet connection. |
| Option-Command-R | Internet Recovery; may offer the latest macOS compatible with the Mac. | Yes. |
| Shift-Option-Command-R | Internet Recovery; may offer the macOS version that came with the Mac, or the closest version still available. | Yes. |
If built-in Recovery will not start, an Intel Mac may automatically show a spinning globe as it attempts Internet Recovery. You can also try either Internet Recovery shortcut directly. The version offered can vary with the Mac and availability; the shortcut does not guarantee a particular installer.
Rank #2
- Dual Connectors: The USB-C port can only work on phones/tablets with OTG function. Please make sure your smartphone with OTG function and reversible type-c interface. The other end is USB 3.0 port connecting regular USB devices
- Important: Default format of the drive is exFAT.Different phones may have different requirements for file formats, so format them if necessary. These drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the drive keep a check on the drive format
- Fast Speed: High-speed USB 3.0 flash drive for fast data transfer, backwards compatible with USB 2.0,easy to complete the storage and transport functions. You can use it to transfer your computer file or access files from Type-C devices, store and share your photos, videos and music in a simple and reliable way
- Easy to Use: Plug and play, no need any drive. Used as laptop notebook tablets phones accessories, compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 8,Galaxy S8,Google Nexus 5X and 6P,Google Pixel XL,New Macbook Pro and more
- Package includes: 1 pc 64G USB C & USB Multi-function Flash Drive
Reinstall macOS before considering an erase
- In Recovery, select Reinstall macOS and follow the onscreen instructions.
- If the installer presents both Macintosh HD and Macintosh HD – Data, select Macintosh HD.
- Keep a laptop connected to power. Do not interrupt installation if the screen goes blank or progress bars appear.
Apple’s reinstall guidance says the process does not remove apps or personal data, but a backup is still recommended. If the installer cannot see the startup disk, use Disk Utility to inspect it rather than erasing immediately.
When Recovery cannot connect to the internet
Recovery installation requires broadband over Wi-Fi or Ethernet using DHCP. A captive-login page, an 802.1X network, or some PPPoE configurations may prevent the installer from connecting. Public, hotel, school, or managed networks are not guaranteed to work.
Rank #3
- 【Important】: Default format of the usb flash drive 128gb is exFAT as this is the format recognized by the smartphones and tablets. These 128gb thumb drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the usb flash drive dual type c usb 3.0 OTG keep a check on the drive format
- 【Easy to Use】: Directly plug the 2-in-1 USB flash drive and play, no need to install any software. The jump drive is easy to be recognized by computer, laptop, notebook, PC, car audio, speaker, smart TV, vidoe projector etc
- 【Fast Speed】: High-speed USB 3.0 flash drive for fast data transfer, backwards compatible with USB 2.0 easy to complete the storage and transport functions. USB 3.0 and Class A chip help you transfer a 4G movie from the thumb drive to your smartphone in about 40 seconds, and reverse transfer in 2 mins to save memory for your smartphone with Type C port.Save your time
- 【Good Compatibility】: Dual connectors USB type C + USB 3.0. Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible withUSB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backwards USB1.1. Support videos formats: AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, M P4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP; AUDIOS: FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV
- 【OTG Function】:Support nearly all mobile phones which support OTG function,and very easy to operate
- Check that the network is available and try again.
- If possible, connect through Ethernet or try a different network.
- On Intel, try the Internet Recovery shortcut appropriate to the version you want.
- If the globe displays a warning or a network error appears, retry later in case the issue is temporary.
Would a bootable USB installer help?
Usually, no: Apple Support says, “You don’t need a bootable installer to upgrade macOS or reinstall macOS.” A bootable installer is an optional fallback if ordinary installation methods fail, or if you need to install macOS on multiple Macs. It requires a compatible full macOS installer and a USB flash drive or other secondary volume; creating the installer erases that volume. Apple does not specify a required capacity in its cited guidance, so check the installer and drive compatibility rather than assuming a particular size. The Mac still needs internet access to obtain firmware and model-specific information.
To start from external media, hold the power button on Apple silicon until startup options appear, then select the installer. On other Macs, hold Option at startup and choose the installer. On an Intel Mac with a T2 chip, external boot may need to be allowed in Startup Security Utility.
Rank #4
- Aluminum DVD Drive: Guamar external DVD drive is made of high quality aviation aluminum alloy, completely different from other plastic external CD drive on the market. The aluminum housing makes it feel much sturdier and better heat dissipation than the all-plastic ones. The sleek silver CD drive complements your Apple laptop perfectly.
- Plug and Play: Guamar external CD/DVD drive for laptop is powered by the USB 3.0 port. No eject button, just slot-loading. Just plug the USB DVD drive external into your computer's USB 3.0/Type-C port and then insert a CD or DVD and external CD drive for Mac will recognize the disc. Then you can use the corresponding software to read and write the CDs, no complicated setup and no need to download driver software
- High-Speed Read Write: Guamar CD burner adopted unique intelligent burning technology, it can read and burn CD/DVD discs. This CD burner for laptop supports DVD+R DL, DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD±RW. Max DVD read speed 8X and max DVD burn speed 8X; Max CD read speed 24X and max CD burn speed 8X. It's perfect when you want to watch old movies, install software, rip CDs, create data backup discs
- Wide Compatibility: Guamar DVD player for laptop is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista, Linux, and all vision Mac OS system. Specially designed for Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, iMac, Mac Mini, ASUS, HP, Dell, Samsung, Sony, Acer and other Ultrabook, Netbook, All in One PC desktop, Laptop without CD DVD drive built in But with USB-C or USB interfaces. (Note: Not support Tablet, TV, Car, Smart phone, Projector, Chromebook and bluray disc.)
- High Performance: This DVD burner is equipped with brand new chips with strong error-correction ability, shockproof, low noise, anti-interference and high durability, plays music and movies with no lag or distortion. Intelligent high-speed USB 3.0 technology brings you a smooth and fast player burning experience
What to do if the startup disk is missing or damaged
A flashing question-mark folder means the startup disk is unavailable or does not contain a working macOS. Start from Recovery and use Disk Utility to try to repair the startup disk. If Disk Utility reports errors it cannot repair, erasing and reinstalling may be an option only if your backup status is clear and data loss is acceptable.
If the disk does not appear in Disk Utility, or an erase attempt fails, Apple says the Mac may need service. Do not use erase instructions written for a different Mac configuration: Apple’s cited erase procedure for an Intel Mac without a T2 chip does not apply to Apple silicon or Intel Macs with a T2 chip. Those models require Apple’s separate Erase Assistant guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts, and a thorough cleaning process. Packaging and accessories may be generic. All products on Amazon Renewed come with a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty.
- Whether you're at the office or on the road, you can play and burn both CDs and DVDs with the Apple USB SuperDrive. It's perfect when you want to watch a DVD movie, install software, create backup discs, and more.
- Only slightly bigger than a CD case, the Apple USB SuperDrive slips easily into your travel bag when you hit the road and takes up little space on your desk or tray table when you're working.
- Compatible with MacBook Pro with retina display, MacBook Air,iMac (late 2012) and later, Mac mini (late 2009) and later, Mac Pro (late 2013), MacBook Pro models with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports require a USB-C to USB Adapter (sold separately) to use Apple USB SuperDrive
- There's no separate power adapter, and it works whether your Mac is plugged in or running on battery power.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
