How do I reset MacBook base system?

I did command option R and erased MacBook HD and MacBook data, but there is MacBook base system which is very large over 1gb. MacBook HD and MacBook data do seem to have only a couple mb now so assume they are erased. ( I have not yet reinstalled the operating system. do I need to do that to completely reset?)


thanks for your help.

Posted on May 23, 2021 5:12 AM

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Posted on May 23, 2021 8:13 PM

Hi PurduefanGA,


macOS Base System is the recoveryOS, and should not be erased under any circumstances.


Complete the following steps in Disk Utility before reinstalling macOS:


  1. Delete (not erase) the MacBook Data volume. (Click the - sign.)
  2. Erase the MacBook HD volume as APFS.
  3. Reinstall macOS.
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How do I reset MacBook base system?

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