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How do I make 2 Mac Startup Disks on the same device?

Hi,

I want to have 2 startup disks on the same device so I can completely separate my work and personal data, apps, device configurations, etc.

I've been exploring adding volumes and partitions using disk utility, but whenever I make one it's always on the same startup disk.

I want two startup disks that I can toggle between (using option during boot-up or startup disk from system preferences).

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

-Dan

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on May 15, 2021 11:24 AM

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makeupbelieve Author

Level 1

8 points

Posted on May 16, 2021 4:47 PM

I figured it out. Here's what I did:

Create a new partition using Disk Utility
Restart the computer and hold Command R on bootup
Select the Re-Install Mac OS Option
Select the newly created partition as the target drive
Wait for the installation to complete

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5 replies

Top-ranking reply

makeupbelieve Author

Level 1

8 points

May 16, 2021 4:47 PM in response to BDAqua

I figured it out. Here's what I did:

Create a new partition using Disk Utility
Restart the computer and hold Command R on bootup
Select the Re-Install Mac OS Option
Select the newly created partition as the target drive
Wait for the installation to complete

BDAqua

Level 10

246,293 points

May 15, 2021 3:46 PM in response to makeupbelieve

Hi Dan,

I wonder if it wouldn't make more sense to just have 2 accounts in the one OS?

Open System Preferences>Users & Groups, unlock the lock, click on the little plus icon, make a new admin account, log out & into the new account.

May 15, 2021 9:30 PM in response to BDAqua

Sorry I’m really trying to keep personal and work completely separate with no chance of cross contamination and totally different device configurations. The only way I can think of doing that is having each partition on separate startup disks.

BDAqua

Level 10

246,293 points

May 16, 2021 6:35 AM in response to makeupbelieve

Yes, you can do that, you need another external drive or to Erase & Partition your existing drive.

BDAqua

Level 10

246,293 points

May 16, 2021 5:11 PM in response to makeupbelieve

OK, good work, thanks for the post my friend. :)

How do I make 2 Mac Startup Disks on the same device?