How to Reinstall macOS Without Losing Data via Recovery Mode

Learn how to perform an in-place macOS reinstall using Recovery Mode to fix system issues while keeping your personal files, apps, and settings intact.

1. Shut down the Mac. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select Shut Down. Wait for the screen to turn black and the status light, if applicable, to extinguish completely.
2. Enter macOS Recovery. For Apple Silicon Macs, press and hold the power button until you see 'Loading startup options'. For Intel-based Macs, press the power button and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo or a spinning globe appears.
3. Choose Reinstall macOS. Once the macOS Utilities window appears, select Reinstall macOS from the list of options. Click Continue to proceed to the installation interface.
4. Select the destination disk. When prompted to select a disk, choose your internal startup disk, usually labeled 'Macintosh HD'. Do not click Erase or use Disk Utility, as this will delete your user data.
5. Begin the installation. Click Install. The system will begin copying files to your drive. Your Mac may restart automatically one or more times during this process; leave the computer undisturbed until the login screen appears.
6. Complete Setup Assistant. Once the installation is complete, the Mac will restart into the Setup Assistant. Log in with your existing credentials to access your desktop, files, and installed applications.