Home > Questions

What will happen if I factory reset an iMac when it's stuck at installation?

I tried to reinstall macOS Big Sur from Recovery Mode but it would always stall at a point. I've done it twice before and left the installation alone for 8 hours but the result was the same. This time, I've left it for 3 days, however, the installation still won't be complete. I wonder if I can cancel the installation and factory reset my Mac?

Best Answered by

iBoysoft author Jenny Zeng

Jenny Zeng

Answered on Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Stopping the macOS installation may cause file corruption. But since a factory reset will erase all data on your Mac and reinstall a new operating system, the corruption part isn't really a concern. Just make sure you back up your Mac before taking any action.

It's advisable to reinstall macOS from Internet Recovery Mode before erasing your Mac. To do it, ensure you have a stable internet connection and follow the steps below:

  1. Press Command + Q to exit the installation window and then shut down your Mac. Or simply hold down the power button to force shut down your Mac.
  2. Hit the power button, then immediately press and hold Option + Command + R until the spinning globe shows up.
  3. Select "Reinstall macOS" and click Continue.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to install macOS.

If the installation still hangs for a long time, you can erase your startup disk and retry the installation again.

People Also Ask

Read More Questions

Read More Advice From iBoysoft's Computer Experts

select the disk where to install macos blank

Fixed! Select the Disk Where to Install macOS Blank/Not Showing

You are asked to select the disk where to install macOS during the installation process, however it is blank or not showing. iBoysoft provides methods in this post to fix no disk to reinstall macOS.

How to Tips

How to clean install macOS Ventura on Mac

Clean Install macOS Ventura: A Comprehensive Tutorial in 2022

This article will tell you how to clean install macOS Ventura from a bootable USB. Remember to backup your data before installing macOS Ventura on Mac.

How to Tips

you may not install to this volume missing firmware partition

[2023]Can't Install macOS Because The Computer Is Missing A Firmware Partition

This post provides fixes for the error message you may not install to this volume because the computer is missing a firmware partition so that you can successfully install macOS on your Mac.

How to Tips