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1. Backup Your Data (Mandatory!)

  1. Connect an external drive (bigger than your Mac’s storage)
  2. Go to > System Settings > General > Time Machine
  3. Click “Add Backup Disk” and follow prompts
  4. Wait until backup completes before proceeding

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2. Reset macOS (Erase & Reinstall)

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Enter Recovery Mode:

  1. Shut down Mac ( > Shut Down)
  2. Hold (Power button + ⌘ Command + R) together immediately after turning on
  3. Release when Apple logo appears (may take 5 minutes)

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Erase Your Disk:

  1. Select “Disk Utility” > Continue
  2. In sidebar:
    • Select “Macintosh HD” (top item, under “Internal”)
    • Click “Erase” (top toolbar)
  3. Configure:
    • Name: Macintosh HD
    • Format: APFS (default for modern Macs)
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  4. Confirm with “Erase Volume Group”
  5. Close Disk Utility when done

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Reinstall macOS:

  1. Back in Utilities, choose “Reinstall macOS”
  2. Follow prompts (installation takes 20-60 minutes)
  3. Mac will restart automatically when done

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3. Fast Setup (Skip Unnecessary Steps)

At the Welcome Screen:
  1. Country/Region: Select yours → Continue
  2. Language: Keep defaults → Continue
  3. Accessibility: “Not Now” → Continue
  4. Wi-Fi: Connect to internet (required!)
  5. Data & Privacy: Continue
  6. Migration Assistant: “Not Now”
  7. Apple ID: “Set Up Later” → “Skip” (you’ll add later)
  8. Terms & Conditions: Agree → Continue
  9. Create Admin Account:
    • Full Name: Your name
    • Account Name: Auto-generated (keep it simple)
    • Password: Use something memorable (write it down!)
    • Uncheck “Set up with Touch ID” (save time)
  10. Location Services: Uncheck → “Continue” → “Don’t Use”
  11. Analytics: Uncheck both → Continue
  12. Screen Time: “Set Up Later”
  13. Siri: “Set Up Later” or uncheck → Continue
  14. Appearance: Choose Light/Dark → Continue
You’re now at the desktop!

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4. Open Apps via Terminal (Developer Quickstart)

  1. Press ⌘ Command + Space
  2. Type Terminal → Press Enter
  3. Copy/paste this command (it opens 4 apps at once):
open -a Safari
open -a Clock
open -a Notes
open -a "Activity Monitor"
Press Enter - all apps will launch simultaneously!

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Next Steps for Developers

  1. Install Xcode from App Store (essential for macOS dev)
  2. Install Homebrew (package manager):
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
  1. Configure Git:
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your@email.com"

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Pro Tips

  • Use ⌘ Command + Tab to switch between open apps
  • Safari is pre-logged into Apple services (App Store, iCloud)
  • Activity Monitor shows running processes (like Task Manager on Windows)
  • You can sign into Apple ID later in > System Settings > Apple ID
This process takes 60-90 minutes total. You’ll have a clean, bloatware-free macOS installation ready for development tools!
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