What is a Bootable USB Drive?

A macOS bootable USB drive is a portable storage device, like a USB flash drive, that contains a bootable copy of the macOS operating system. This allows you to start up and run your Mac from the USB drive instead of the computer’s internal storage (hard drive or SSD). This can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as installing or reinstalling macOS, troubleshooting and repairing macOS issues, and performing data recovery tasks.

What benefits come with purchasing a USB Companion Recovery Tool?

1. Emergency Situations: If your Mac’s internal storage fails or becomes corrupted, having a bootable USB installer utility can allow you to access the macOS Recovery tools and attempt repairs or reinstall macOS.
2. Clean Install or Upgrade: Offers convenience for either a clean installation or an upgrade to the latest version. It can also be handy if you need to install macOS on multiple Macs or reinstall macOS frequently. It saves you from having to download the macOS installer each time.
3. Compatibility: A bootable USB installer tool can be useful for installing older versions of macOS that are no longer available from the App Store. This is particularly helpful if you have older Macs that cannot run the latest macOS versions.
4. Speed: Installing macOS from a bootable USB drive is often faster than downloading it from the internet, especially if you have a slow or unreliable internet connection.
5. Recovery and Troubleshooting: In addition to reinstalling macOS, a bootable USB installer tool can be useful for troubleshooting and repairing macOS issues.
6. Offline Installation: If you need to install macOS on a Mac that doesn’t have an internet connection, a bootable USB installer tool is essential.
7. Security: Having a bootable USB installer means you have a copy of macOS that hasn’t been tampered with, which can be beneficial for security purposes.

Is my personal data safe when using a usb drive?

When it comes to safeguarding your personal data on a Mac, the use of a macOS bootable USB drive is often misunderstood. Many users worry that booting from an external source could put their files at risk. However, the reality is quite different.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what a macOS bootable USB drive actually is. This type of drive contains a complete copy of the macOS operating system, allowing you to start up and run your Mac from the USB drive rather than the internal storage. This can be useful for tasks like installing macOS on a new hard drive or SSD, troubleshooting issues with your current installation, or performing data recovery tasks.

Now, here’s the key point: a macOS bootable USB drive itself does not inherently jeopardize your personal data any more than using your regular macOS installation. The bootable USB drive is simply a way to start up your Mac from an external source and perform various operations or troubleshooting tasks. It doesn’t directly impact the safety of your personal data.

That being said, it’s important to always take precautions to protect your data, regardless of whether you’re using a bootable USB drive or your regular macOS installation. Here are some tips to help keep your data safe:

• Use strong, unique passwords for your user account and any important files or folders.
• Enable FileVault encryption to protect the data on your Mac’s internal storage.
• Regularly back up your data using Time Machine or another backup solution.
• Be cautious when downloading and installing software from the internet, and only download from trusted sources.
• Keep your macOS and all of your software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Use a secure internet connection, especially when accessing sensitive information or conducting online transactions.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your personal data remains safe and secure, whether you’re using a bootable USB drive or your regular macOS installation.

macOS / OS X Versions: 

1. OS X Lion 10.7
2. OS X Mountain Lion 10.8
3. OS X Yosemite 10.10
4. OS X El Capitan 10.11
5. macOS Sierra 10.12
6. macOS High Sierra 10.13
7. macOS Mojave 10.14
8. macOS Catalina 10.15
9. macOS Big Sur 11.0
10. macOS Monterey 12.0
11. macOS Ventura 13.6
12. macOS Sonoma 14.0

When you purchase the macOS bootable USB drive, you will receive:

1. A 16 GB bootable flash drive.
2. An instruction sheet that is easy to follow along with a troubleshooting guide.
3. Free support to assist with any inquiries you may have during the installation process. You can use our Live Chat or go through our Contact Us page.

How do I use my USB?

1. Power Down Your Mac: Ensure your Mac is fully shut down.
2. Insert the USB Flash Drive: Plug the USB Companion Recovery Tool into any USB port on your Mac.
3. Start or Restart Your Mac: Press the power button on your Mac to boot it up or restart if it’s already powered on.
4. Access Startup Manager: As your Mac boots up, immediately hold the “Option” (⌥) key until the Startup Manager appears on the screen. This lets you choose the boot drive.
5. Choose the Bootable USB Drive: In the Startup Manager, you’ll see a list of available boot drives. Use the arrow keys to select the USB flash drive with the macOS installer. Once selected, press the “Return” key or click on the drive to start the booting process.
6. Install macOS: Your Mac will boot from the USB drive, launching the macOS installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS on your Mac. You can pick the destination drive, create or erase partitions, and proceed with the installation.
7. Finish the Installation: Once the installation is done, your Mac will restart, and you can set up your new macOS system.

Other Questions You Might Have:

Still have questions?

help@usbcompanion.com