Factory reset your Mac desktop is a simple process; you don’t have to be a computer wizard to do it. Press the Command, Option, P, and R keys simultaneously for about 20 seconds.
Factory reset your Mac is a tedious process. You have to go through a number of steps to make sure the files and settings you want to keep on your desktop are backed up, and then you have to follow a series of steps to properly factory reset it.
The benefits of resetting your Mac
Here are some situations where a factory reset of your Mac desktop might help:
- When the Mac desktop malfunctions, a factory reset may fix the malfunctioning problem in the Mac. If your computer is running slower than usual or appears sluggish, try a factory reset of your device before taking it to an Apple Store for help.
- You want to sell your used Mac or give it as a gift. If this is the case, you need to clear all personal information so that the person who purchased it cannot access your sensitive data such as credit card numbers, emails and passwords.
- When you’re about to reinstall macOS, a factory reset will delete everything on your computer and restore it to its original factory state and ready to install a new macOS. If you want to set up a new Mac desktop, this might be a good way.
- System software is damaged by malware or other malicious applications. When your Mac desktop is attacked by a virus or malware, it can mess with system files and cause instability. To resolve this issue, you will need to reinstall the operating system on the Mac desktop via a factory reset.
notes: A factory reset will delete all of your files, applications, and preferences from the machine, so make sure to back up any important files before continuing with the process.
Modern Mac desktop versions come with built-in Erase helper tool. This tool provides a quick way to reset your Mac. Here’s how to use it:
step 1: 1. Start System Preferences, then select Delete all content and settings in the menu bar.
Step 2: Enter your administrator password when prompted.
Step 3: View a list of items that will be removed by the factory reset process. Some items include your Bluetooth connection history, all Touch ID fingerprint records and Apple Wallet, among other settings.
Step 4: If you haven’t created one time machine backup, click Open the time machine set it up. Time Machine backup is a built-in feature on your Mac that automatically backs up your data, including music, apps, photos, documents, and email. You can restore them at any time, even after factory resetting your Mac.
Step 5: Enter your password to log out of your Apple ID and allow the wipe process to complete.
After the erasing process is complete, your Mac desktop will be restored to factory settings. If your intention to factory reset it is to throw it away or give it away, then you’re done! Otherwise, go through the setup process and set the device up for use!
2. Use Disk Utility
To use this tool, you should enter macOS into recovery mode. However, different Mac models have different procedures for activating recovery mode:
step 1: For Intel-based Macs or M1 Macs with a T2 chip, turn off the computer and press the power button until the Load boot options. choose Options Enter the recovery screen.
Step 2: For Macs with Intel processors, restart the machine, press and hold Command + R key and release when the Apple logo appears. Allow the machine to boot and open recovery.
Step 3: once macOS Utilities pop-up window, select disk utility, then click continue button.
Step 4: choose your Startup Disk(Default labeled Macintosh HD), then click Erase button. If you created any partitions, delete them before clicking the Erase button.
Step 5: In the dialog that will pop up, keep the drive name and format as Macintosh HD and Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS.
Step 6: Erase the drive with a single click Erase volume group or erase.
You have now factory reset your Mac desktop computer!
What you need to know before resetting your Mac desktop
Resetting your Mac means erasing all the files and settings that make it yours. Before you do that, though, you should do a few things first.
1. Backup your data
Assuming you want to keep any information on your Mac, back up your files so you can restore them after a reset.you can use it Time machine Backup for this; all you have to do is plug in an external hard drive and select it as the backup destination.
2. Sign out or iCloud
If you need to sign out of iCloud before resetting your Mac desktop. To do this, open the System Preferences app > click Apple ID > iCloud > turn off Find My Mac. Click Overview, and then click Sign Out.
3. Quit iTunes
After you sign out of iCloud, you also need to sign out of iTunes if you want to reset your Mac desktop. To do this, open iTunes and select Account > Sign Out in the upper right corner.
4. Unpair the Bluetooth device
You should unpair any Bluetooth devices paired with your Mac.To unpair a Bluetooth device, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth > select the device to unpair > click X button on the right.
With the above four points in mind, you can now factory reset your Mac desktop.
in conclusion
Factory reset your Mac desktop is a simple process that can help you get rid of a lot of hassle with your computer. It’s also a great way to prepare your device for disposal and eliminate viruses or malware. You can use the Erase Assistant tool or Disk Utility tool.