Make sure the USB drive is shown as “Untitled”.Pick this drive and click Erase in the top menu.This drive should have at least 16 GB of storage space. Now, it’s time to grab another USB flash drive and connect it to your Mac. This is only a short stop on the road, so catch your breath, and let’s move along. Now, and only now have we come to clean installing macOS Big Sur. This is the file we’ll use later to run the clean install of macOS Big Sur via Disk Utility. We only want to make sure that the app called Install macOS Big Sur.App is now firmly sitting in your Applications. Install the app and click on System Junk to perform the scan.ĭon’t click Continue but for now, close this window by choosing Quit Install. This tool is one of the best-known cleaning utilities for Mac, and it’s been notarized by Apple.ĭownload the free version of CleanMyMac X cleaner here. To clean your machine automatically, you can run CleanMyMac X. Time Machine will make a snapshot of your system.But before that we’ll ensure there's no unwanted leftovers on your entire Mac. After we’ve cleaned your Mac, you’ll end up with a refreshed system ready for a Time Machine backup. And lastly, we’ll use Disk Utility to erase your Mac and install macOS Big Sur using the bootable USB device.Ĭleaning your Mac is generally a healthy practice but since we’re about to back your Mac up, it’s worthwhile to get rid of system junk first. Next, you’ll need to create a bootable USB installer (involves another external drive).

Then, you’ll need to download macOS Big Sur package to your Applications. The first step is to clean and back up your Mac to some external source. You format your hard drive, and therefore, it keeps no leftovers from the previous macOS.īasic steps to clean install macOS Big Sur What is a clean install? (Big Sur or any other macOS)Ī clean install means that you install the macOS onto the erased drive.Ī clean install is the opposite of macOS upgrade. Here’s how to perform a clean install of macOS Big Sur with pictures and helpful tips along the way. It also sports a refreshed version of Safari that is 50% faster than Chrome.

Those who tried it say that it’s more stable.

But if you’re looking for manual solutions, see our ideas below.įeatures described in this article refer to the MacPaw site version of CleanMyMac X.Īpple released macOS Big Sur on November 12, 2020. macOS Big Sur continues the list of Central California landmarks as well as marks the new operating system for Mac. It’s notarized by Apple and is optimized to find issues on macOS Big Sur. Here’s a tip for you: Download a free version of CleanMyMac X.

How to update mac air boot from usb