Installing macOS High Sierra from a USB drive can be a convenient and efficient way to update or clean install the operating system on your Mac. This step-by-step guide aims to provide you with clear instructions on how to successfully carry out this process, even if you are not a tech expert. By utilizing a USB drive, you can easily create a bootable installation disk and have the flexibility to perform the installation on multiple devices. Whether you are looking to upgrade to the latest macOS version or troubleshoot issues on your Mac, this guide will walk you through the process with detailed explanations and helpful tips to ensure a smooth installation experience. Familiarizing yourself with this method can empower you to take control of your Mac’s software updates and maintenance tasks.
Checking System Requirements
Before installing macOS High Sierra from a USB drive, it is crucial to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements for a successful installation. First and foremost, verify that your Mac is compatible with macOS High Sierra. Generally, Macs released around mid-2009 or later are compatible with this operating system. Additionally, ensure that your Mac has at least 2GB of memory and 14.3GB of available storage space.
Moreover, it is essential to check if your Mac’s hardware is capable of running macOS High Sierra smoothly. Verify that your Mac has an Intel processor, as macOS High Sierra requires an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or later. Furthermore, ensure that your Mac’s graphics hardware supports Metal, the technology used by macOS High Sierra for graphics rendering.
By confirming that your Mac meets these system requirements, you can proceed with confidence to the next steps of installing macOS High Sierra from a USB drive.
Creating A Bootable Macos High Sierra Usb Drive
To create a bootable macOS High Sierra USB drive, you will need an 8GB or larger USB flash drive and the macOS High Sierra installer. First, download the macOS High Sierra installer from the Mac App Store and ensure it is saved in the Applications folder. Next, insert your USB drive and open Disk Utility from the Applications folder. Select the USB drive in Disk Utility and click on the ‘Erase’ tab. Choose ‘Mac OS Extended (Journaled)’ as the format and ‘GUID Partition Map’ as the scheme, then click ‘Erase’ to format the drive.
After formatting the USB drive, open Terminal from the Applications folder. Type the command “sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/Untitled” into Terminal and press ‘Enter’. Enter your admin password when prompted and confirm the action. The process will begin, and you will be notified when it is complete. Once done, your bootable macOS High Sierra USB drive is ready for use.
Make sure to safely eject the USB drive from your Mac before using it to install macOS High Sierra on your desired Mac device. This bootable USB drive will allow you to install macOS High Sierra on multiple Macs without having to re-download the installer each time, providing a convenient and efficient way to upgrade your macOS system.
Adjusting Bios Settings For Booting From Usb Drive
To adjust BIOS settings for booting from a USB drive, start by restarting your computer and entering the BIOS setup menu by pressing the designated key during boot-up (common keys include F2, F12, Del, or Esc). Look for the Boot Menu or Boot Order section within the BIOS settings. Here, you can prioritize the USB drive as the primary boot device by moving it to the top of the boot order list.
Next, ensure that the USB drive is properly connected to your computer before saving the BIOS settings and exiting the setup menu. Save your changes by selecting the option to save and exit, then restart your computer. This will allow your system to boot from the USB drive rather than the internal hard drive. Make sure to follow any on-screen prompts that may appear when booting from the USB drive to initiate the macOS High Sierra installation process smoothly.
By adjusting the BIOS settings to prioritize the USB drive for booting, you can successfully initiate the installation of macOS High Sierra from the USB drive. This step is crucial in ensuring that your system recognizes the USB drive as the primary boot device during the installation process, ultimately leading to a seamless installation experience.
Starting The Installation Process
Once your Mac has restarted, it will boot from the USB drive. You will see the macOS High Sierra installation screen, prompting you to choose the language you prefer for the installation process. Select your desired language and click “Next.”
Next, the macOS Utilities window will appear. Here, choose “Install macOS” and then select the disk or volume where you want to install macOS High Sierra. Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
The installation of macOS High Sierra will now commence. Your Mac may restart several times during the installation process, and it is essential to allow the installation to complete without interrupting it. Once the installation is finished, your Mac will restart into the newly installed macOS High Sierra operating system.
Formatting The Target Drive
Before proceeding with the installation of macOS High Sierra from a USB drive, it is crucial to format the target drive to ensure a smooth and successful installation process. Formatting the target drive will erase all existing data on the drive, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
To format the target drive, insert the drive into your Mac and open Disk Utility. Select the target drive from the list of available drives on the left side of the Disk Utility window. Then, click on the “Erase” button at the top of the Disk Utility window. Choose a suitable format for the drive, such as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and enter a name for the drive. Finally, click on the “Erase” button to begin the formatting process.
Once the formatting is complete, the target drive will be ready to receive the macOS High Sierra installation files from the USB drive. Formatting the target drive ensures that the installation process goes smoothly without any compatibility issues.
Selecting Installation Options
Once the macOS High Sierra installer loads, you will be prompted to select installation options. This step is crucial as it allows you to customize the setup according to your preferences and system requirements.
You will be asked to choose the destination for the installation. Make sure to select the correct drive where you want macOS High Sierra to be installed. You may also have the option to format the drive before installation if needed.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to select any additional tools or features you wish to include during the installation process. This may include language support, security updates, or other optional components. Make your selections based on your needs and preferences, and proceed with the installation process.
Completing The Installation
Once the installation process has completed, your system will automatically restart. Upon restarting, you will be prompted to set up your macOS High Sierra preferences, including language, region, keyboard preferences, and user account setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to customize these settings according to your preferences.
After configuring your preferences, you will be taken to the desktop of your newly installed macOS High Sierra. Take this opportunity to explore the features and functionalities of the operating system. You may want to check for any updates, customize your desktop background, set up your email accounts, and familiarize yourself with the layout of macOS High Sierra.
Lastly, make sure to transfer any files or data from your backup storage to your new macOS system. This ensures that all your important documents, photos, and media are accessible within your new operating environment. Once you have completed these final steps, you are all set to use macOS High Sierra on your system seamlessly.
Post-Installation Setup And Configuration
After successfully installing macOS High Sierra from the USB drive, the next crucial step is post-installation setup and configuration. Begin by setting up your user account with a strong password and relevant personal information. Take the time to customize your system preferences, such as display settings, accessibility options, and energy-saving configurations, to suit your preferences and maximize efficiency.
Once the basic setup is complete, make sure to update your macOS High Sierra to the latest version to ensure system security and optimal performance. Install essential software and applications for your workflow, such as productivity tools, multimedia players, and communication apps. Additionally, configure Time Machine or any preferred backup system to safeguard your data against unexpected loss.
Lastly, personalize your desktop with wallpapers, icons, and themes to create a visually pleasing workspace. Organize your files and folders systematically for easy access and a clutter-free system. It’s also recommended to explore additional features of macOS High Sierra like Siri integration, iCloud services, and Handoff for seamless continuity across your Apple devices. With these post-installation steps, you can enhance your macOS experience and make the most out of your newly installed operating system.
FAQ
What Are The System Requirements For Creating A Macos High Sierra Usb Installer?
To create a macOS High Sierra USB installer, you will need a USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 16GB. You will also need access to a Mac computer running macOS High Sierra or later. Additionally, you will need to download the macOS High Sierra installer from the Mac App Store. Finally, you will need software like DiskMaker X or Terminal to create the bootable USB installer. Overall, the process requires a compatible Mac computer, a sufficiently large USB flash drive, and the necessary software tools to create the installer.
How Do I Format The Usb Drive To Be Compatible With Macos High Sierra Installation?
To format a USB drive for macOS High Sierra installation, first, open Disk Utility on your Mac. From the list of drives on the left, select the USB drive. Click on the “Erase” option and choose “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” as the format. Optionally, name the drive, select GUID Partition Map as the scheme, and click “Erase” to format the drive. Once the formatting is complete, you can use the USB drive to create a bootable installer for macOS High Sierra.
Can I Use A Windows Pc To Create A Macos High Sierra Usb Installer?
Unfortunately, you cannot create a macOS High Sierra USB installer using a Windows PC directly. This is because the macOS operating system is designed to run on Apple devices and is not supported on Windows machines. However, you can use virtualization software like VMware or VirtualBox to create a virtual macOS environment on your Windows PC and then proceed with creating the USB installer for macOS High Sierra. Just make sure your computer meets the necessary hardware requirements for virtualization to run smoothly.
Are There Any Important Precautions To Consider Before Installing Macos High Sierra From A Usb Drive?
Before installing macOS High Sierra from a USB drive, it is crucial to back up all important data to prevent any potential loss during the installation process. Additionally, ensure that the USB drive is formatted correctly and that it contains a bootable installer of macOS High Sierra. It is also recommended to check for compatibility issues with your Mac model and any third-party software you may be using to avoid any unforeseen complications during the installation process.
What Steps Should I Follow To Boot My Mac From The Usb Installer And Install Macos High Sierra?
To boot your Mac from the USB installer and install macOS High Sierra, start by inserting the USB installer into a USB port on your Mac. Next, power off your Mac and then power it back on while holding down the Option key. This will prompt the Startup Manager to appear, where you can select the USB installer as the boot disk. Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS High Sierra on your Mac. Remember to back up your important data before proceeding with the installation to prevent any data loss.
The Bottom Line
By following this step-by-step guide to installing macOS High Sierra from a USB drive, users can efficiently upgrade their systems and enjoy the latest features and improvements that the operating system has to offer. Embracing the versatility and convenience of USB installation not only simplifies the process but also provides users with a reliable method for enhancing their Mac experience.
With clear instructions and attention to detail, users can confidently navigate through the installation process and successfully set up macOS High Sierra on their devices. This guide empowers individuals to take control of their system upgrades and stay up-to-date with the latest software advancements, ensuring a seamless transition to a more efficient and optimized computing environment.