i have a 2014 macbook air that i would like to erase and reset back to a factory fresh operating system how do i do this? would it be better to just download the os burn it to a usb and install it that way?
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need help resetting my mac to factory
- Thread starter kaitlin45989
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Boot into Recovery, use Disk Utility to erase the disk and then install macOS fresh.
support.apple.com
How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support
You can use macOS Recovery, your computer's built-in recovery system, to reinstall the Mac operating system. Reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your personal data.
If you erase the internal disk using Disk Utility, then all of your data will be gone.
After erasing the disk, continue on with a reinstall of the macOS system. When the install is complete, you will boot to the system, at the point where you set up a new user. If you are resetting the Mac for a different user, or you are just getting it ready to sell, either way---at the new user setup, just choose to shut off the Mac. When it is next turned on, THAT person can continue on with a new user setup, as needed. That, my friend, is what you can call a factory reset.
After erasing the disk, continue on with a reinstall of the macOS system. When the install is complete, you will boot to the system, at the point where you set up a new user. If you are resetting the Mac for a different user, or you are just getting it ready to sell, either way---at the new user setup, just choose to shut off the Mac. When it is next turned on, THAT person can continue on with a new user setup, as needed. That, my friend, is what you can call a factory reset.
What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
Reset your Mac to factory settings to prepare it for a new owner.
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