Ultimate Guide: How to Reset macOS Big Sur Without Losing Files

How to Reset macOS Big Sur Without Losing Files

Resetting macOS Big Sur can sometimes be necessary to resolve performance issues or start afresh with a clean system. However, the thought of losing important files can be daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to reset macOS Big Sur without losing any of your valuable data.

Importance of Backing Up Files Before Resetting macOS Big Sur

Before we delve into the reset process, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of backing up your files. Resetting macOS can potentially lead to data loss if not done correctly. By creating a backup, you can ensure that your documents, photos, and other important files are safe and can be easily restored after the reset.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset macOS Big Sur Without Losing Files

  1. Backup Your Data

    Connect an external storage device and back up all your important files using Time Machine or any other preferred backup method.

  2. Access macOS Recovery

    Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R until the Apple logo appears. This will boot your Mac into macOS Recovery mode.

  3. Launch Disk Utility

    Once in macOS Recovery, select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.

  4. Choose Your Startup Disk

    Select your Mac’s startup disk and click on the Erase button. This will erase the disk without affecting your personal files.

  5. Reinstall macOS Big Sur

    Exit Disk Utility and choose to reinstall macOS Big Sur from the macOS Utilities window. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

  6. Restore Your Files

    After successfully reinstalling macOS Big Sur, you can restore your files from the backup you created earlier. Simply follow the prompts to transfer your data back to your Mac.

Conclusion

Resetting macOS Big Sur without losing files is a straightforward process as long as you follow the steps outlined in this guide. Remember to always back up your data before initiating any system changes to avoid any potential data loss. By following these instructions, you can refresh your Mac’s operating system without sacrificing your important files.

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