Reinstalling MacOS after Erase
I wiped my hard drive on my old Macbook Air (2014 or earlier) and when I attempt to reinstall MacOS I keep getting an error. The last version I had was Catalina.
Earlier Mac models
Question marked as
What Format did you erase it to?
What exact error?
Start up from macOS Recovery
Command-R is generally recommended, especially if you never installed macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later… How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support
Command (⌘)-R
Install the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.
Option-⌘-R
Upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.
Shift-Option-⌘-R
Install the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
2. Decide whether to erase (format) your disk
If you need to erase your disk before installing macOS, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click Continue. You probably don't need to erase, unless you're selling or giving away your Mac or have an issue that requires you to erase. Learn more about when and how to erase.