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Reloading or reinstalling macOS on an Apple laptop can be done in a few different ways, depending on whether you want to perform a clean install or just reinstall the operating system while keeping your files. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both scenarios:

1. Reinstall macOS (without erasing data)

This method reinstalls macOS while preserving your files and settings.

Backup Your Data:

• Before starting the process, it’s a good idea to back up your data using Time Machine or another backup method.

Connect to the Internet:

• Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Restart Your Mac:

• Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select “Restart.”

Enter macOS Recovery Mode:

• Immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R during the restart until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.

Reinstall macOS:

• In the macOS Utilities window, select “Reinstall macOS” and click “Continue.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to select your disk and begin the reinstallation.

Complete Installation:

• The installation process will take some time. Your Mac will restart several times during the process. Once it’s done, you’ll be prompted to set up your Mac.

2. Clean Install macOS (erasing data)

This method erases your hard drive and installs a fresh copy of macOS. Be sure to back up your data before proceeding.

Backup Your Data:

• Backup any important data using Time Machine or another method.

Create a Bootable macOS Installer (Optional):

• If you want to use a bootable installer, you can create one using a USB drive and the macOS installer downloaded from the App Store. Instructions for creating a bootable installer can be found on Apple’s support site.

Restart Your Mac:

• Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select “Restart.”

Enter macOS Recovery Mode:

• Immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R during the restart until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.

Erase Your Hard Drive:

• In the macOS Utilities window, select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue.”
• In Disk Utility, select your startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD” or “Apple SSD”) and click the “Erase” button.
• Choose a format (usually “APFS” for macOS 10.13 and later, or “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” for older versions) and confirm. This will erase all data on the drive.

Reinstall macOS:

• After erasing the disk, close Disk Utility to return to the macOS Utilities window.
• Select “Reinstall macOS” and click “Continue.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to select your disk and begin the installation.

Complete Installation:

• The installation process will take some time. Your Mac will restart several times during the process. Once it’s complete, you’ll be prompted to set up your Mac.