Select 'Reinstall macOS' from the utility window in macOS Recovery, then choose 'Continue' and follow the installer's instructions. Quit Disk Utility to return to the utility window. Skip External and Disk Image sections also on the sidebar. Don't delete any volume named 'Macintosh HD' or 'Macintosh HD - Data'. If you have any other internal volumes in the sidebar, click the delete volume button that's marked with a '-'. If you don't see this button, click 'Erase' instead. Keep the name 'Macintosh HD' and set the format to 'APFS' or 'Mac OS Extended (Journaled)'.Ĭlick 'Erase Volume Group'. In the dialogue box, you need to rename the drive and format. Choose 'Macintosh HD' on the left side of the screen. Regardless of whether you’re on an Intel-based or Apple silicone-based MacBook Air, it’s now time to finish the reset process using 'Disk Utility.' If asked, log into the next screen with administrator privileges.įrom the macOS recovery screen, choose 'Disk Utility'. Click Options > Continue to enter the macOS recovery mode.

When the Apple logo appears, you'll see a message letting you know that by continuing to hold the power button, you'll access startup options.Īfter a few seconds, the text switches to 'Loading startup options'. Next, press and hold the power button on your keyboard. On these machines, turn off your computer.

On Macs with Apple co-processors including the MacBook Air (M1, 2020): it is actually a little bit easier to put the machine into recovery mode. At this point, the computer will boot up and open the recovery mode. When the computer screen goes black, hold down the 'Command' + 'R' keys on your keyboard until the Apple logo appears. To enter recovery mode on Intel machines: click on the Apple menu at the top left of the device, then choose 'Restart'.

Entering recovery mode, an important step to reset a Mac, follows a different process on Intel-based machines and those with an Apple M1 co-processor or later.

Enter recovery modeĪpple's Mac lineup is in a period of transition as the company shifts away from Intel-based processors.

How to reset apple macbook pro 2011