2020 MacBook Air - unable to factory reset to install new MacOS
So I have tried to installing the new MacOS - I even deleted most of my files to make space. but nothing is working out. Currently, I have BigSur.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.6
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So I have tried to installing the new MacOS - I even deleted most of my files to make space. but nothing is working out. Currently, I have BigSur.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.6
Not enough space to download and install?
The somewhat tortured workaround is to create a Time Machine backup, erase the Mac, and then boot Recovery using the key chord that offers to install the latest macOS version compatible with that Mac.
When it finishes, migrate your User Account from the TM backup.
If you need more explicit instructions by all means write back, but create that Time Machine backup first. That alone might free enough space to accomplish the upgrade. Besides, after you delete files and empty the Trash it takes a while for the Finder to calculate and release space previously occupied by those files. The generally accepted amount of time is the better part of a day.
Links:
Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support
About macOS Recovery - Apple Support
To install the latest macOS version compatible with that Mac refer to this excerpt from Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support:
On the Off Chance this is an Apple Silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip computer
Use Erase All Content and Settings
It will Not Touch the Operating System itself
If macOS 11 Big Sur is installed.
it will still be installed after following the information in above link
It will remove your User Account and ALL that is in your account
Meaning, Applications, Setting, Photos, Music, Videos, Podcasts and Yes Documents
sarona20 wrote:
Hi, thanks for your comments! I want to skip the time machine backup and go straight to reset factory and install new MacOS.
There are 2 very different MacBook Air computers from 2020
One Is an Intel Computer and the other is a M1 Apple Silicon computer
Before we can help with your request, you will have to identify Which One is your Computer
Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.
Please post back wit that specific information
Hi, thanks for your comments! I want to skip the time machine backup and go straight to reset factory and install new MacOS.
In that case follow my instructions but omit the steps that describe creating and restoring a Time Machine backup.
2020 MacBook Air - unable to factory reset to install new MacOS