Reinstall macOS

The process of installing macOS over an existing installation or on an erased drive, available through macOS Recovery. Can resolve system file corruption.

What to Know

Reinstall macOS resolves persistent software corruption, damaged system files, and failed updates without requiring full data wipes or user migration. This is critical when macOS exhibits crashes, boot failures, or application errors that survive standard troubleshooting, but user data remains intact and accessible. Reinstalling the OS over itself replaces all system files while preserving user accounts, applications, and documents, minimizing disruption and avoiding lengthy backup and restore processes.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: Corporate IT guides users through macOS reinstalls when system corruption causes repeated crashes or prevents software updates, but user data is still accessible. This avoids full wipes that would require backup validation and restore time, getting users back to productivity faster.

MSP: MSPs use macOS reinstall to resolve client Mac issues caused by corrupted system files or failed updates without erasing user data. This preserves client applications and settings while fixing underlying OS problems, reducing client disruption and billable restore time.

Education: School IT reinstalls macOS on faculty Macs experiencing persistent issues while preserving their classroom resources, lesson plans, and applications. This maintains teacher productivity without requiring full device reimaging during the school year.

In Addigy

While macOS reinstall happens locally via Recovery Mode, devices enrolled in ADE remain under Addigy management after the reinstall completes. Addigy automatically reapplies all MDM profiles, policies, and apps, ensuring the device returns to compliance without manual IT reconfiguration.