How to reset your MacBook or Mac desktop before changing it?

Before parting ways with your beloved MacBook or Mac desktop. How to reset your Macbook or desktop,it’s a common problem for every mac user. It’s essential to ensure that all your personal data, settings, and applications are securely wiped from the system. Performing a proper reset not only protects your privacy but also prepares the device for a new user. If you’re planning to change your Mac. Or maybe you just want to wipe it for some other reason. don’t worry!

Follow the simple steps according to the type of Mac you have and the version of macOS it’s running. The newer macOS versions, like Ventura and Monterey, have a convenient and modern erase option, similar to iOS, which makes the process easier. We’ll guide you through the simple steps to get your Mac ready!

 It’s essential to have a fresh backup of all your important data before changing your device. If your Mac runs on macOS Big Sur or an earlier version, remember to sign out of iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. Additionally, consider signing out of any other accounts in System Preferences > Internet Accounts, and unpair any Bluetooth devices if needed.

However, you are lucky if your Mac is on a more recent macOS version! No need to worry about it. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to reset your MacBook or Mac desktop effectively and responsibly. Let’s get started!

How to restart a MacBook and a Mac computer?

OS X Ventura: ways to restart a Mac

1. On your Mac, launch the System Settings program.
2. From the left sidebar, select General.
3. Next, select Erase All Contents and Settings from the Transfer or Reset menu.
4. If prompted, enter your password, then follow the instructions to reset your Mac.

Using the Spotlight search feature (magnifying glass in the upper right corner, or keyboard shortcut cmd + spacebar), you can also look for “erase” on your Mac.

For Macs released in 2018 and after, MacOS Monterey features a brand-new Erase Assistant. It’s simplest to perform a factory reset on a Mac that is running Monterey if you haven’t already updated.

1. Make a new copy of your Mac’s backup.
2. Activate System Preferences.
3. In the menu bar, select System Preferences, then select Erase All Contents and Settings.
4. To completely delete your Mac, follow the instructions.
5. The new erase process in macOS Monterey takes care of everything to completely delete your Mac, similar to iOS.
6. The current version of macOS will continue to be used.

The procedure seems to be as follows:

Here is Apple’s support page where you may read more about the new Erase Assistant in macOS Monterey.

Note: If your M1/M1 Pro/M1 Max MacBook won’t start up properly, you may need to restore or revive it.

What the difference is between reviving and restoring M1 Macs and when to use them

Reset MacBooks and Mac computers running macOS Big Sur or an earlier version

1. Make a new copy of your Mac’s backup.
2. (System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview > Sign Out) Log out of iCloud.
3. Turn off FaceTime and iMessage (in the respective app’s preferences)
4. Reset the NVRAM (for more information on steps 4-7).
5. Start the macOS Recovery.
6. Delete the startup disc.
7. Install macOS again from scratch.

Reset NVRAM

Resetting the NVRAM is crucial for Intel Macs lacking the Apple T2 Security Chip according to Apple. As it clears away user settings and returns security defaults. This is how you do it:

Option, Command, P, and R should be held down while you restart your Mac after it has been shut down. Approximately 20 seconds later, release the keys.

On Apple Silicon Macs, start the macOS Recovery.

• If your Mac is still running, turn it off by pressing and holding the power button until the starting options appear.
• Deciding on macOS Recovery
• Decide on Reinstalling macOS.
• Observe the directions

On Intel Macs

For Intel Macs, depending on the key combination you press to start your computer, macOS Recovery will install a different version of the operating system (neither installation CDs nor macOS installed on an external drive are required). Immediately after turning on your Mac, hold down one of the following key combinations, and release it when you see the world or the Apple logo.

• Without upgrading to a newer version, type R (Command R) to reinstall the most recent macOS that was previously installed on your Mac.
• R (Option Command R) = Update to the most recent version of macOS that works with your Mac

Use Option-Command-R to make sure that the installation isn’t connected to your Apple ID if you’re selling or giving away a Mac running OS X El Capitan or an earlier version, advises Apple on its help page. The most recent software is also installed in this manner.

Depending on the speed of your internet connection, macOS Recovery may take longer to load. You’ll see the macOS Utilities window once the procedure is finished.

Remove startup data from your hard drive or solid-state drive.

1. In the Utilities window, select Disc Utility, then select Continue.
2. In the Disc Utility sidebar, choose your startup disc by clicking the top item, such as Apple SSD, rather than the volume name, Macintosh HD.
3. At the top of the utility window, click Erase.
4. Enter a name for the disc (Macintosh HD is the default on a new Mac), format it with Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and choose either APFS or GUID Partition Map as the partitioning strategy, per Disc Utility’s advice.
5. After clicking Erase, return to the macOS Utilities window by selecting Disc Utility > Quit Disc Utility from the menu bar.

Reinstalling macOS will complete the reset.

1. Click Reinstall macOS to return to the main macOS utility window.
2. If you have multiple discs, follow the prompts and choose the disc you want to install macOS on.
3. If you’re using a Mac laptop, connect the power cable.
4. Press “Install”
5. If you have an SSD, the installation time is estimated at maybe 10 to 20 minutes. If you have an HDD it will probably take longer.
6. After the installation is finished, the welcome screen with the region selector will appear. Continue setting up if you plan to keep your Mac. Use the keyboard shortcut Q to shut down your Mac and end the setup assistant if you are selling or transferring ownership of it.

End Lines 

Thanks for exploring our comprehensive guide on how to reset your MacBooks and Mac desktops! We hope this step-by-step walkthrough has been helpful in preparing your device for a fresh start or a new owner. Remember to back up your data before resetting and follow the specific instructions based on your macOS version.