How do I install MacOS on an external drive (m1 Mini)?

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How do I install MacOS on an external drive (m1 Mini)?

I'm trying to get Ventura onto an external SSD, and I'm having a surprisingly hard time doing it. Apple Support's instructions on how to format the new drive are not helping.

The drive (WD blue 2T) is in an NVMe enclosure and attached to a USB-C port on the back of the Mac. The new drive has been formatted to APFS, and is working fine. When I attempt to get Ventura from the App Store, I get an error message telling me I need to be an owner to continue with the installation. I already have Ventura running on an external SSD, but it's a 500gb Samsung T5 (smaller, slower).

Mac mini, 10.15

Posted on Mar 7, 2023 11:53 AM

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Answer 1

AdvisorMP

Community Specialist

Mar 8, 2023 1:06 PM in response to paddle2thesea

Thanks for reaching out paddle2thesea,

It sounds like you're having trouble with updating to macOS Ventura on your external SSD. We can help.

It isn't clear what message you're seeing when you try to download the software, but it sounds like it could be related to mobile device management. Mobile device management is commonly used by organizations (workplaces, schools, etc) to grant permissions to the devices owned by the organization.

Go ahead and first check out these steps to Manage upgrading to macOS Ventura in your organization and see if they apply to your situation. This article will guide you in the right direction to get resolution if it is an MDM issue.

If they don't sort things out, please share with us some more details about the message you are seeing, and if possible include screenshots.

Hope that helps.

Take care.

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How do I install MacOS on an external drive (m1 Mini)?

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