When the Mac has finished installing macOS Mojave, the computer boots up into a fresh clean install of macOS Mojave as if it’s a new computer, thus you’ll go through the standard setup process as if it were a new Mac.
Be certain you have backed up any important files, personal data, pictures, etc – do not skip a full backup
It’s recommended to have a Time Machine backup, in addition to any manual file backup of your personal data that you wish to keep. Complete a full Time Machine backup before starting this process.No personal files, data, or apps will be preserved or included on the Mac, unless you restore that data separately.ĭo not proceed without sufficient backups of your important data and computer. Warning: This process will erase everything on the Mac, and then perform a new clean install of macOS Mojave only. Thus it becomes critical that you have separately backed up your personal data and anything important to you, as failure to do so will result in permanent data loss. A clean install starts new, with absolutely no personalization or your data on the computer.
Remember, a clean install will erase everything on the Mac, including all personal files, photos, movies, apps, any customizations or settings, or anything else. Remember, a clean install erases everything on a Mac. You can use Time Machine or your backup method of choice.
While the vast majority of Mac users should simply prepare for and update to macOS Mojave as usual from a prior MacOS system software release, thereby preserving their apps, customizations, personal files, and all else, this walkthrough is intended for users who want to erase a Mac completely and start over fresh to perform a clean install of macOS Mojave 10.14.