Can you remember the last time you wiped your MacBook and reinstalled everything?
UseDisk Utilitytoerase your system volume, and then head back to the primary macOS Utilities screen.
hit the wifi icon in the upper-right corner and connect to your wireless connection.
Then click onReinstall macOS.Apple will give you a few screens to jump through.
The only one that matters is one that asks where youd like to install macOS.
Select your hard drive and kick off the macOS installation process.
You also can restore your Mac using an old Time Machine backup.
I generally find it best to start fresh: Dont transfer any information from anything else.
This will save you a little time later on.
Finally, youll be asked to pick how youd like macOS to look.
Obviously, youre going to do with Dark mode, because its the best.
Getting started in macOS (finally)
You made it!
Now that macOS has finished installing, lets start setting up your system.
For all of the next many configs, Ill be using screenshots from macOS Big SurandmacOS High Sierra.
I originally wrote the article on the latter in 2018.
Just in case, make theApp Storeyour first stop.
Pull it up, put in your Apple ID and password if prompted, and press theUpdatesicon.
Install any updates Apple offers.
That might be helpful in some instances, but annoying in others.
tap on theApplelogo, clickSystem Preferences, and click onInternet Accounts.
Each service will allow you to synchronize different data with various macOS apps.
you could also be a little strategic with your selections.
Youll then be able to download music, movies, and TV shows you previously purchased.
Click and drag apps you dont care about to the trash.
The apps themselves will still be available via Finder or a Spotlight search, dont worry.
Take a deep breath.
And, as always, you could have macOS automatically hide the Dock (and Menu Bar!)
if you want as clean of a desktop look as possible.
On itsGeneraltab, you might set when your MacBook should require a password or Touch ID authentication.
You wont sacrifice much convenience for stronger physical security.
Youll find all these options under theBatteryandPower Adaptermenus.
And, go figure, there are a few options worth exploring.
First, you’re free to set your keyboards backlight to power down after a certain time period.
Thats probably not going to save you hours of battery life, but every little bit helps.
Why light the keys when you arent using your MacBook?
(Since I love a good emdash, I also set mine to automatically correct two hyphens to .)
I recommend turning off the guest user account as a matter of housekeeping and security.
This will remove the option for said account when you initially log into your MacBook.
System Preferences: Time Machine
You should be backing up your MacBook at regular intervals.
Were all unique, after all.
Now that your system is ready to go, its time to grab some apps.
For apps you wont find on the App Storelike Chrome or Firefox, for exampleI recommend checking outmacapps.link.
Youll save a lot of time versus downloading and installing each app individually.
+10 enthusiast points for you.
Lifehacker senior technology editor David Murphy originally wrote this article in May of 2018.
