Headhunter06
Level 1 (25 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Can I do a clean MacOS Sierra install without deleting bootcamp partition?

I have noticed several gremlins in my automatic install of MacOS Sierra, and want to do a clean install to see if that will clear the problems. But I also have a Boot Camp partition with Windows 10. Can I do the clean install on the Mac portion of the drive without messing up the Boot Camp partition.  In a pinch, I could delete the Boot Camp partition and start totally clean -- clean MacOS and then do a clean Boot Camp and reinstall Windows too. But that's a lot of work, that I'd like to avoid if possible.

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12), iMac 2015 21.5 4k Retina

Posted on Sep 23, 2016 7:48 PM

by Niel,Apple recommended
Niel Niel
Level 10 (314,589 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Yes, but you should have a backup of the Boot Camp partition in case something goes wrong.

 

(144864)

Posted on Sep 23, 2016 7:51 PM

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Headhunter06

Q: Can I do a clean MacOS Sierra install without deleting bootcamp partition?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Niel,Apple recommended

    Niel Niel Sep 23, 2016 7:51 PM in response to Headhunter06
    Level 10 (314,589 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 23, 2016 7:51 PM in response to Headhunter06

    Yes, but you should have a backup of the Boot Camp partition in case something goes wrong.

     

    (144864)

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Sep 23, 2016 8:05 PM in response to Headhunter06
    Level 7 (24,869 points)
    Safari
    Sep 23, 2016 8:05 PM in response to Headhunter06

    There is 'shared' information between the two OSes on 2015 or later Macs in the EFI Partition, or the Hybrid MBR on 2014 and prior models.

     

    I suggest you use Winclone or similar, erase your internal disk completely, install Sierra, and then restore Windows. I did a clean install on an external disk to avoid all the gymnastics and test, before I upgrade the internal disk.

  • by D_@_n,

    D_@_n D_@_n Sep 23, 2016 8:09 PM in response to Headhunter06
    Level 1 (70 points)
    iPad
    Sep 23, 2016 8:09 PM in response to Headhunter06

    Yes you can.

    You should backup your windows files before attempting to do this....just in case.

    And also you should consider between using bootcamp (windows) and virtual VMware. This software can actually allow you to use windows without creating a partition. The benefit is you can copy and paste (backup) files from windows to apple and vice versa without switching between partitions...especially if you have similar software (lets say you use ms word on both apple OSX and Windows OS).