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Level 1

8 points

Help, need iOS on new HDD but only have a PC atm

Long story short, I was given an iMac from a family member who upgraded. HOWEVER, they had the HDD removed because they needed it as a "backup" of the data.

Ok, I am pretty darn used to repairs. So I am going to put a new HDD in this iMac (2012/2013-ish) and I need to install iOS. The hardware part is easy.... the software is killing me!

Problem.... I am on Windows.... so I cant get to the iOS download (which website blocks because I am not on iOS when trying to access the page) to try to make a bootable USB or something. The hardware is capable of High Sierra, so figured let's install that, but I cant get to it.

Can you even make a bootable USB anymore? I see mixed threads.

So how do I get iOS into the blank HDD with no Mac to start from?

Suggestions, please! Any thoughts would be helpful! I want to get this Mac up and running!

Thank you!!!

iMac

Posted on Mar 16, 2018 5:46 PM

Best reply

Phil0124

Community+ 2024

Level 10

198,813 points

Posted on Mar 16, 2018 6:08 PM

iOS runs on iPhones and iPads, not on Macs.

For Macs, once you install the hard drive, a 2012 or 2013 is capable of reinstalling macOS (OSX), from internet recovery. No USB or or disc required.

Follow the steps here to boot into Internet Recovery, and install macOS:

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

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Help, need iOS on new HDD but only have a PC atm

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