I did an update then deleted Macintosh HD from Disk Utility, and all my data is lost

A few days ago, I approved a system update on my MAC. After the update, when I tried to turn on my computer, I saw a black screen and it wouldn't start properly.


Following some troubleshooting steps, I went into Disk Utility and clicked on First Aid. Unfortunately, I believe ı may have accidentally deleted something ı shouldn't have. After that, my Mac finally started working again but all of my data-including photos, files, and my user account-was completly gone.


Is there any way to recover my lost data?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.7

Posted on Aug 15, 2025 03:15 AM

Reply
3 replies

Aug 15, 2025 03:38 AM in response to kubra13

Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon


  • Time Machine System Restore: Restore your data from a Time Machine backup. In the Recovery app, select “Restore from Time Machine,” then click Continue. To return to the Recovery app, choose Time Machine System Restore > Quit Time Machine System Restore. See Use Time Machine to restore your files.


Intel-based Mac



When your Mac has successfully started from Recovery, it shows a window with utilities such as these. Other utilities, such as Terminal, are available from the menu bar at the top of the screen. Use any utility, or quit Recovery by choosing Restart or Shut Down from the Apple menu .




Aug 15, 2025 04:22 AM in response to kubra13

Not unless all your " data-including photos, files " were located on a Cloud Based Service


If not, sorry they are gone forever


To truly protect your non replaceable Data


Have a 3-2-1 Rescue Plan in place and always current


3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 off site incase of natural disaster or un-natural disaster.


Each of the above should be done to a Dedicated Single Purposed External Drive 


Below link is intended to augment what TM Backup does 


https://bombich.com

I did an update then deleted Macintosh HD from Disk Utility, and all my data is lost

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