How to Boot a Mac from USB
Are you looking to boot your Mac from a USB drive but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Booting from a USB drive can be a bit intimidating, but with the right steps and a little bit of patience, it’s a straightforward process.
In this article, we’ll cover the 12 steps you need to follow to boot your Mac from a USB drive. From creating a bootable USB drive to selecting the right startup disk, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. So, let’s get started!
Steps:
Step 1: Check Your Mac Model
Is your Mac Intel-based or Apple Silicon-based?
Before attempting to boot from a USB drive, make sure you check your Mac model. If you have a newer Mac with Apple Silicon, the steps may differ from an older Mac with an Intel processor. This distinction is important because Apple Silicon-based Macs use a new technology called “Apple Silicon,” which requires an updated version of macOS.
Step 2: Choose Your USB Drive
Select an external USB drive
To boot your Mac from a USB drive, first, choose an external USB drive that you’ll use to install macOS. Make sure that the USB drive is at least 8GB. Format the USB drive to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) to make it bootable. You can do this by using Disk Utility while the USB drive is connected to your Mac.
Step 3: Download macOS
From the App Store or the Apple website
The next step is to download and install a copy of macOS on your USB drive. You can download the latest version of macOS from the App Store or the Apple website. Make sure to give the download some time, as the file size can be quite large.
Step 4: Create a Bootable USB Drive
With Terminal or specialized software
Now that you have downloaded macOS, it’s time to create a bootable USB drive. You can do this by using Terminal or specialized software like DiskMaker X or the Unibeast. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to select the correct USB drive.
Step 5: Plug in Your USB Drive
Make sure the USB drive is connected to your Mac
Once you have created a bootable USB drive, it’s time to plug it in. Connect the USB drive to your Mac and make sure it’s recognized by macOS.
Step 6: Restart Your Mac
Hold down the power button and wait for the startup sound
Now, you need to restart your Mac to enter the boot mode. Hold down the power button for a few seconds and wait for the startup sound. Then, press and hold the “Option” key until the Startup Manager appears.
Step 7: Select Your USB Drive
Choose your USB drive from the Startup Manager
Once you’re in the Startup Manager, you’ll see a list of all available startup disks. Choose your USB drive from the list and press “Enter” to begin booting from it.
Step 8: Install macOS
Follow the on-screen instructions
After selecting your USB drive, your Mac will boot from it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS. Make sure to select the right installation location and partition the drive if necessary.
Step 9: Wait for Installation to Finish
Be patient while installation completes
Now, wait for the installation of macOS to complete. It can take some time, so be patient. Your Mac may restart a few times during the process.
Step 10: Set up macOS
Follow the setup process
After installation, your Mac will restart and begin the setup process. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your new installation of macOS.
Step 11: Select Your Startup Disk
Choose your USB drive as the default startup disk
Once macOS is installed, you’ll need to select your USB drive as the default startup disk. Go to System Preferences > Startup Disk and select your USB drive from the list. Restart your Mac to test the changes.
Step 12: Eject Your USB Drive
Remove the USB drive safely
Finally, eject your USB drive safely. Don’t just pull it out of your Mac. Instead, go to Finder, right-click on the USB drive, and select “Eject.”
Explanation:
Now that you know the steps, let’s look at each one in more detail.
Step 1: Check Your Mac Model
As mentioned above, make sure your Mac model is compatible with booting from a USB drive. If you have an older Mac with an Intel processor, you should be good to go. If you have a newer Mac with Apple Silicon, you’ll need an updated version of macOS.
Step 2: Choose Your USB Drive
Select an external USB drive that’s at least 8GB. Make sure to format the USB drive to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) to make it bootable.
Step 3: Download macOS
Download the latest version of macOS from the App Store or the Apple website. The file size can be quite large, so give it some time to download.
Step 4: Create a Bootable USB Drive
You can create a bootable USB drive using Terminal or specialized software. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to select the correct USB drive.
Step 5: Plug in Your USB Drive
Connect the USB drive to your Mac and make sure it’s recognized by macOS.
Step 6: Restart Your Mac
Hold down the power button for a few seconds and wait for the startup sound. Then, press and hold the “Option” key until the Startup Manager appears.
Step 7: Select Your USB Drive
Choose your USB drive from the Startup Manager.
Step 8: Install macOS
Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS. Make sure to select the right installation location and partition the drive if necessary.
Step 9: Wait for Installation to Finish
Be patient while macOS installs. Your Mac may restart a few times during the process.
Step 10: Set up macOS
Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your new installation of macOS.
Step 11: Select Your Startup Disk
Go to System Preferences > Startup Disk and select your USB drive from the list. Restart your Mac to test the changes.
Step 12: Eject Your USB Drive
Remove the USB drive safely by ejecting it through Finder.
Tips and Tricks:
1. Make sure your USB drive is formatted to work with macOS
Before creating a bootable USB drive, format it to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) in Disk Utility.
2. Check the version of macOS
Make sure to download the latest version of macOS that’s compatible with your Mac model.
3. Use the correct version of Terminal
Make sure you’re using the correct version of Terminal to create a bootable USB drive. Using an outdated version of Terminal may not produce the desired result.
4. Test your USB drive before installation
Before installing macOS, test your USB drive by booting into it to ensure it works correctly.
5. Create a backup before installation
Always create a backup of your important files before installing macOS.
6. Keep your Mac plugged in during installation
Make sure your Mac is plugged into a power source during installation to prevent it from losing power and interrupting the installation process.
7. Don’t eject the USB drive during installation
Don’t remove the USB drive before macOS installation is complete. Eject the drive after the installation has finished.
8. Keep your USB drive safe
Handle your USB drive with care, and don’t expose it to extreme temperatures or magnetic fields.
9. Use an official Apple USB drive
If possible, use an official Apple USB drive to ensure compatibility and reliability.
10. Follow the instructions carefully
Always follow the instructions carefully when creating a bootable USB drive and installing macOS.
Now that you know the steps and tips to boot a Mac from a USB drive, it’s time to get started. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll have a running version of macOS in no time!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Booting a Mac from USB
Booting a Mac from USB can be a useful tool for troubleshooting, testing, and upgrading. However, like any technology, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
| Advantages | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Portability | You can carry the bootable USB with you wherever you go and use it on any Mac computer. |
| Faster Installations | Booting from USB can be faster than installing from a CD or DVD. |
| Stability | USB booting can be more stable than other methods, as USB sticks can be less prone to damage than CDs or DVD. |
| Customization | You can customize your bootable USB with certain software or tools that can only be accessed from a USB drive. |
| Flexibility | You can use a USB bootable drive to install or upgrade any version of macOS that is compatible. |
Disadvantages
| Disadvantages | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Compatibility Issues | Older Macs may not support the USB booting method. |
| USB Speed | USB booting can be slower than booting from a built-in drive. |
| Drive Failure | An issue with the USB drive can render the entire bootable process useless. |
| Security Risks | If you are using a bootable USB created by someone else, there is a risk of malware or viruses, which can harm your computer and data. |
| Storage Space | Some USB drives may not have enough storage space to accommodate larger macOS installations or upgrades. |
Booting a Mac from USB can be a useful method for troubleshooting, testing and upgrading, but it does have its advantages and disadvantages. As with any technology, it is important to carefully weigh whether or not this method is right for your specific needs and Mac computer.
FAQ
1. Why should I boot my Mac from a USB drive?
Booting your Mac from a USB drive can help you in various ways, such as troubleshooting issues, reinstalling macOS, upgrading to a new version, or using a different operating system.
2. What do I need to create a bootable USB drive?
You need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity, a Mac computer, and a disk image of the macOS or any other operating system you want to install.
3. Can I use a Windows PC to create a bootable USB drive for my Mac?
Yes, you can use a Windows PC, but you need to use a third-party software like TransMac or Win32DiskImager to create a bootable USB drive that is compatible with your Mac.
4. How do I format my USB drive?
You can format your USB drive using the Disk Utility app on your Mac, but make sure to choose the right format type, such as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or ExFAT.
5. Can I use any USB drive to boot my Mac?
No, not all USB drives are compatible with Mac. It’s recommended to use a USB drive that is certified by Apple or has a high-speed read and write performance.
6. How do I access the boot menu on my Mac?
You need to press and hold the Option (Alt) key on your Mac keyboard while powering it on. This will bring up the boot menu where you can select the USB drive to start booting from.
7. What if my Mac doesn’t recognize the USB drive?
Make sure to check if your USB drive is formatted correctly and has the right disk image. You can also try resetting the PRAM/NVRAM or using a different USB port.
8. Can I use a bootable USB drive to install macOS on multiple Macs?
Yes, you can use a bootable USB drive to install macOS on any Mac that meets the system requirements, but make sure to create a separate USB drive for each Mac.
9. How long does it take to boot from a USB drive?
It depends on the speed of your USB drive and the size of the disk image, but typically it takes a few minutes to boot from a USB drive.
10. Can I still use my Mac while booting from a USB drive?
No, you cannot use your Mac while booting from a USB drive as it requires all the system resources to run the operating system from the USB.
11. How do I eject the USB drive after booting from it?
You can safely eject the USB drive by clicking on the eject button next to it in the Finder window, or by using the Disk Utility app to unmount the USB drive.
12. What if I want to switch back to the internal hard drive?
You can switch back to the internal hard drive by restarting your Mac and choosing the internal hard drive from the boot menu or startup manager.
13. What should I do if I encounter issues while booting from a USB drive?
You can try restarting your Mac, resetting the PRAM/NVRAM, using a different USB port, or creating a new bootable USB drive with a different disk image. If the issue persists, seek help from an authorized Apple service provider.
Conclusion
Booting a Mac from a USB drive is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. It’s a useful skill to have, particularly if you need to troubleshoot your MacBook or install new versions of MacOS. Remember to follow the steps carefully and ensure that you select the correct drive when booting up. With a little practice, you’ll become an expert in no time.
Closing
Thanks for reading this article on how to boot a Mac from a USB drive. We hope that you found it informative and useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And remember, if you ever run into any issues when booting from a USB, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. There are many online resources and tech support services that can help you through the process. Until next time, happy computing!