Clean install Catalina, full installer

[raeserbil]

Want to do a clean install of Catalina, but the app I downloaded from App Store was only 20mb so I couldn't create a bootable usb. Where and how can I download the full installer? Or is there another way to solve this?

 

[sk8andmetal]

have you tried to download it from a Catalina Mac or 10.14 ?

 

[Rob.G]

The one I downloaded a few minutes ago is just over 8 gig.... went to System Prefs and clicked Upgrade. It downloads and then you get the option to continue installing. Copy it out of your Applications folder and then quit the installer.

 

[matt_and_187_like_this]

Is it worth doing a clean install?

 

[sk8andmetal]

IMO, clean install is the way to go to prevent to put hidden mushrooms on a computer, I usually always go for clean install for major OS release

 

[Rob.G]

It really depends on how many installs your current system has been through already, and if you're having any weird issues. My 2013 has had all upgrades since I bought it, and weird stuff is happening, so it's time for a wipe.

 

[raeserbil]

The one I downloaded a few minutes ago is just over 8 gig.... went to System Prefs and clicked Upgrade. It downloads and then you get the option to continue installing. Copy it out of your Applications folder and then quit the installer.

Thanks. When I went to system preferences and clicked upgrade it started to download around 8gb but I didn't have time to wait for the download. Is it located in the application folder after the download has finished?

 

[Rob.G]

Yes. You'll get the big "Install MacOS Catalina" window with the Right Arrow to continue (just quit it) and in /Applications you'll find the installer... "Install MacOS Catalina.app" as I recall. A hair over 8 gig, or just too big to fit on an 8gb USB drive.