I have a 2017 iMac with no operating system

I have a 2017 iMac with no operating system on it. I'd like to install Ventura but I don't have a bootable usb.

I also have an M4Pro MacBook Pro with Sequoia on it and when I want to download Ventura to create a bootable usb it doesn't allow it.

So what can I do now?

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Jul 18, 2025 2:24 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 18, 2025 2:51 PM

If you do not have a bootable system of any sort, you may be in for some difficulty trying to get an OS back onto that machine again.


Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support

"Command (⌘)-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS, depending on the key combination you use."


Looks like you will need to try Internet Recovery and pray that it still works for a machine that old.


A 27" 2017 iMac would have shipped with macOS 10.12.4 or 10.12.5 (Sierra), so if that's the operating system you install using Internet Recovery, you might need to do a few more installations to get back to Ventura. E.g., a High Sierra installation followed by a Ventura installation.


Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

11 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 18, 2025 2:51 PM in response to monokia

If you do not have a bootable system of any sort, you may be in for some difficulty trying to get an OS back onto that machine again.


Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support

"Command (⌘)-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS, depending on the key combination you use."


Looks like you will need to try Internet Recovery and pray that it still works for a machine that old.


A 27" 2017 iMac would have shipped with macOS 10.12.4 or 10.12.5 (Sierra), so if that's the operating system you install using Internet Recovery, you might need to do a few more installations to get back to Ventura. E.g., a High Sierra installation followed by a Ventura installation.


Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

Jul 20, 2025 12:55 AM in response to monokia

A good rule of thumb when considering a Scorched Earth Method 


Is to Always have the Installation Media already in hand versus afterwards


To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer


The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer 


This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer.


Example : Bootable Installer of Ventura would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Ventura


Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can’t be used.


If all avenues have been blocked


If you have the means and time to transport the computer to an Apple Genius Bar, they maybe able to reload macOS Ventura

Jul 19, 2025 12:22 AM in response to monokia

What macOS does the Recovery suggest (post a screenshot if necessary)? And what Recovery method did you use (Command-R, Option-Command-R, Shift-Option-Command-R)? And what format did you erase the internal disk (APFS, GUID partition scheme, case insensitive must be used for Mojave and later)?


What macOS was used previously? High Sierra introduced APFS so you might have to install that so that the firmware is updated so you can erase as APFS.


What kind of internal disk does that Mac have (SSD, Fusion Drive, HDD)? Maybe the internal drive is broken and must be replaced or you might use an external drive?

Jul 19, 2025 12:59 PM in response to Matti Haveri

Thanks. It had Ventura previously than it had a system crash I could never restart it again. It has frozen on the loading screen with Apple logo and the taskbar. So in recovery mode with Disk Utility I was able to save my important things than I erased it and wanted to do a clean install.

So now it offers Sierra and the problem was I formatted it to APFS. So it cannot see. I reformatted it to Mac OS journaled GUID... Now it sees, but always happens some trouble. See on the pic.

I've tried to reformat the disk again (Fusion Drive) and do the install, but always the same happens.

I used Cmd+R method to enter recovery mode.


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

I have a 2017 iMac with no operating system

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.