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Does reinstalling the Mac operating system erase your data?

Does reinstalling the Mac operating system erase your data?

iMac 27″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Dec 9, 2021 9:32 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 9, 2021 10:10 AM

Hello, HFB.


No, reinstalling the macOS does not have to erase you data.

if all goes well, the only time that should happen is when you choose to Erase, Format, or Partition your drive using Disk Utility. That is not required when you simply wish to reinstall the OS.


But always good advice above from Jack-19 about having backup.

Backup your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 9, 2021 10:10 AM in response to HFB

Hello, HFB.


No, reinstalling the macOS does not have to erase you data.

if all goes well, the only time that should happen is when you choose to Erase, Format, or Partition your drive using Disk Utility. That is not required when you simply wish to reinstall the OS.


But always good advice above from Jack-19 about having backup.

Backup your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


Does reinstalling the Mac operating system erase your data?

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