Reinstall from macOS Recovery
Jul 03, 2020 Recuva is the very best free data recovery software tool available, hands down. It's very easy to use but has many optional advanced features as well. Recuva can recover files from hard drives, external drives ( USB drives, etc.), BD/DVD/CD discs,. Jun 02, 2020 This software supports the last five operating systems viz. Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, and Mojave. When you plan to sell out your old Mac, you can make a clone of your old disk. Price: Free (10 day Trial) $39.95 Operating System: macOS 10.14 Mojave Download Paragon Hard Disk Manager #6. GParted (Gnome Partition Editor).
macOS Recovery makes it easy to reinstall the Mac operating system, even if you need to erase your startup disk first. All you need is a connection to the Internet. If a wireless network is available, you can choose it from the Wi-Fi menu , which is also available in macOS Recovery.
1. Start up from macOS Recovery
To start up from macOS Recovery, turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold one of the following sets of keys on your keyboard. Release the keys when you see an Apple logo, spinning globe, or other startup screen.
Command (⌘)-R
Reinstall the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac (recommended).
Option-⌘-R
Upgrade to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Shift-Option-⌘-R
Reinstall the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
You might be prompted to enter a password, such as a firmware password or the password of a user who is an administrator of this Mac. Enter the requested password to continue.
When you see the utilities window, you have started up from macOS Recovery.
2. Decide whether to erase (format) your disk
You probably don't need to erase, unless you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, or you have an issue that requires you to erase. If you need to erase before installing macOS, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click Continue. Learn more about when and how to erase.
3. Install macOS
When you're ready to reinstall macOS, choose Reinstall macOS from the Utilities window. Then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You will be asked to choose a disk on which to install.
- If the installer asks to unlock your disk, enter the password you use to log in to your Mac.
- If the installer doesn't see your disk, or it says that it can't install on your computer or volume, you might need to erase your disk first.
- If the installer is for a different version of macOS than you expected, learn about macOS Recovery exceptions.
- If the installer offers you the choice between installing on Macintosh HD or Macintosh HD - Data, choose Macintosh HD.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time.
If your Mac restarts to a setup assistant, but you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, press Command-Q to quit the assistant without completing setup. Then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.
macOS Recovery exceptions
The version of macOS offered by macOS Recovery might vary in some cases:
- If macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later has never been installed on this Mac, Option-Command-R installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. And Shift-Option-Command-R isn't available.
- If you erased your entire disk instead of just the startup volume on that disk, macOS Recovery might offer only the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. You can upgrade to a later version afterward.
- If your Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip and you never installed a macOS update, Option-Command-R installs the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.
- If you just had your Mac logic board replaced during a repair, macOS Recovery might offer only the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
If you can't get macOS Recovery to offer the installer you want, you might be able to use one of the other ways to install macOS.
Other ways to install macOS
- You can also install macOS from the App Store or Software Update preferences. If you can't install macOS Catalina, you might be able to install an earlier macOS, such as macOS Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite.
- Or create a bootable installer disk, then use that disk to install macOS on your Mac or another Mac.
Jun 08, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Is there any free data recovery software?
There are about 50 million results rendered when you search the term 'free data recovery software Mac' or 'best data recovery software Mac' on Google. On this post, which offers the reviews on the top 10 Free Mac Data Recovery software. Read on and pick up the most suitable one for you to rescue Mac data without paying anything, it is the best way to recover deleted files from Mac.
Top 10 Free Data Recovery Software for Mac
1. Recoverit Mac Data Recovery
When it comes to the free data recovery software for Mac, Recoverit Mac Data Recovery is reckoned to be the best one. With a 96% recovery rate, it enables you to recover lost or deleted data on Mac without any effort and knowledge base. It is a 100% safe and reliable free Mac file recovery program to help you retrieve any data from Mac hard drive or any external device on Mac.
Features:
Apple File System (APFS) is now the default file system for the latest macOS, coming with safer data storage, faster write-and-read speed and larger space available. However, the encryption feature makes lost data recovered more difficultly and even impossibly. Recoverit is the software for you to recover lost data from APFS-based Mac. Even more, it supports the Mac data recovery from other different file systems, like HFS, HFS+, FAT/exFAT, and NTFS.
Besides, it supports to recover data from various devices in different situations, such as accidental deletion, power failure, computer shutdown, damaged and corrupted hard disk drive, formatted hard drive, virus attack, lost partition or other data loss scenarios.
On top of that, the best free data recovery tool for Mac is capable of recovering data from a variety of data storage devices, for example, Mac hard drive, external hard disk, USB flash drive, SD card, media players, digital cameras, Drone cameras, camcorders, Android phone, etc. That's why you can be reassured no matter where you lost your Mac data.
Overall Reviews: ★★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: all-around scan and deep scan; thumbnails and preview of lost files; recover 1000+ formats of files for free in all situations; intuitive interface.
Improvement: RAID hard drive recovery is not supported; recover 100 MB Mac files for free.
2. Ontrack EasyRecovery Home for Mac
Ontrack EasyRecovery is a user-friendly program for you to perform Mac file recovery precisely under different data loss scenarios, especially for accidentally deleted files. The free Mac recovery version, with a 1 GB limit, supports you recovering lost data from Mac-based device or recovering deleted backup files from Apple Time Machine.
Features:
You can use this Mac data recovery tool to recover hundreds of files types on different Mac OS like Mac OSx 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, and legacy OS. The quick scan and deep scan options search through the storage device more effectively, including internal hard disk, removable media, and RAID hard drive.
Moreover, the Mac data recovery software claims that it can recover lost data from hard drive that is encrypted or password protected. After the test, we find that it does sometimes. Like Recoverit Mac Data Recovery, EasyRecovery for Mac also provides the preview function of recoverable files and recovers files with the original file names.
Overall Reviews: ★★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: hundreds of supported files, data preview function, full version of software available for use in the trial version.
Improvement: low success rate, time-consuming recovery process.
3. Mac Free Any Data Recovery
Mac Free Any Data Recovery is able to help you reclaim a variety of files from the depths of damaged drives. It is one of the first free data recovery software that provides free trials for users - this data recovery solution is one of the few that allows users to experience the full version of the software for free. This Mac data recovery software is easy to use and kept simple with two scanning modes: quick and deep.
Features:
The common files can be recovered with the free data recovery software for Mac, including photos, videos, music, mails, PDF documents, Office documents, RAR/ZIP files, game files, system data and so on. It supports the Mac data recovery on Mac OS X 10.9 (Marvericks) or later. So if you want to recover your lost data from Mac OS X 10.8, it is not the option for you.
Overall Reviews: ★★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: very speedy scan, retrieve a wide range of files, preview files before Mac recovery.
Improvement: recover 20 files for free only, need to upgrade to the paid version for all features.
4. Cisdem Data Recovery
This Mac data recovery tool provides a free trial for you to scan and preview lost files due to hard drive crash or corruption, formatting, unintentional deletion, improper operation, factory reset, macOS upgrade, and virus attack. It provides five recovery options: Basic Data Recovery, Mac Trash Recovery, External Drive Recovery, Formatted Drive Recovery and Advanced Data Recovery. But actually, after our test, we think that you can directly use the option of 'Advanced Data Recovery' to make sure your files will not be further damaged after repeated scan.
Features:
It is an easy-to-use software that allows you to recover a wide range of files quickly. Like Recoverit, the well-recognized powerful data recovery software, it requires you to take 3 steps only for recovering lost data on Mac, that's choose a data loss scenario, scan and preview recoverable files and finally choose the files to recover. The simple recovery process simplifies your job in Mac data rescue and does save much time.
Overall Reviews: ★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: intuitive design, easy-to-use, powerful recovery capacity, preview before recovery.
Improvement: free version only allows files scan and preview, not compatible with other types of operating systems, have no the filtering option for scan.
5. Data Rescue 5
This Mac hard drive recovery software that allows you to search for and restore data that are lost from damaged drives and accidental deletion from the disk they are stored in. Its free version allows you to recover 2GB of data and it is able to perform quick scan, deep scan, deleted files scan, and clone recovered file.
Features:
It comes with 4 options at the beginning to meet your different needs, namely Start Recovering Files, View Previous Scan Results, Clone and Create Recovery Drive. The data rescue software for Mac can recover data backups from Time Machine, recognize the duplicate files and eliminate the recovery of duplications.
Overall Reviews: ★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: intuitive interface, offers a low entry-level pricing plan (PaperByte?) for those who do not need to recover massive amounts of data.
Improvement: slow scanning and recovery speeds, need to fill in an application form to use the free version, only scan and preview available with the free version, only support 100+ file types.
6. Disk Drill
Disk Drill Mac is a great Mac data recovery software that does not only provide data recovery solutions, but also data protection capabilities with its Recovery Vault feature. This will prevent accidental deletion and backup failing disks. Like most great data recovery software, it allows users to preview files to help you decide which files to recover.
Features:
The same as many other Mac data recovery tools, it provides quick scan and deep scan options. With the quick scan, you can recover missing files on Mac in a quick way, while the deep scan technology can dive deeper your device for lost data. Also like Recoverit, it supports you recovering files from emptied Mac trash easily and quickly.
It works well with Mac 10.8 or later OS and allows you to filter files and recover data selectively. The drawback is that only 200 different file types are available for data rescue through the Mac file recovery software, including pictures, videos and documents.
Overall Review: ★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages : comes with a SMART disk to monitor your hardware's disk status, preview of files, Recovery Vault feature.
Improvement: free version only allows files scan and preview, difficult to navigate, scan result does not show original file names and folder paths.
7. M3 Mac Data Recovery Free
This free Mac data recovery software is one of the many freeware available to recover deleted data and lost files on your Mac. You will be able to apply the tools to a wide range of file formats that have been compromised by a corrupted hard disk, virus attack, system error, power failure etc. It can be used on non-Apple products as well.
Features:
It is the free undelete Mac software, compatible with Mac OS 10.7 through High Sierra. What makes it stand out from other Mac data recovery software is the Bitlocker Recovery feature. It allows you to recover Mac data from a deleted or lost Bitlocker encrypted partition. The drawback of the feature is that you have to offer the password for decrypting data.
Overall Review: ★★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages : high success rate, easy-to-use user interface, full version available for free trial.
Improvement : slow scan speed, can only use free trial for a limited amount of time.
8. Lazesoft Data Recovery
It is one of the truly free data recovery software out there that offers data recovery capabilities of the OS X operating system. You are able to scan and recover unlimited amount of data using this tool.
Features:
You can recover data from resized partitions, formatted hard drives, memory cards and iPod. You can also recover photos, videos, music, documents and applications on Mac HFS/HFS+/FAT/NTFS file systems.
Overall Review: ★★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: completely free, easy-to-use user interface.
Mac File Recovery Software Free
Improvement: does not allow you to preview files, not support the newest Mac OS.
9. PhotoRec
PhotoRec Data Recovery is a free data recovery tool for your Mac. It is able to recover data that was lost due to a variety of reasons. It offers users 8 recovery modes for users to support you restoring Mac files lost due to deletion, formatting, lost partition, virus attack and system crash.
Features:
Different types of data can be recovered on Mac, including photos, videos, audios and emails. The recovered data remains intact in the original condition. The biggest drawback is that it is very hard for even an experienced person to use the Mac data recovery tool. Recovering Mac files with PhotoRec is a little like using the computer command line to perform the recovery process. And it is very easy to do wrong operations and cause further damage to your data.
Overall Reviews: ★★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: ability to preview files before recovering data on Mac, free Mac data recovery without any limit.
Improvement: slower than average scan and recovery speeds, not user-friendly, need professional skill
10. Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Software
Mac Disk Recovery Software Free
The Mac data recovery tool is one of the best software users can use to get back deleted or lost files from your Mac machines. The name of this app is very significant as it equates recovered files with a phoenix rising from the ashes!
Overall Review: ★★★ (5-star rating)
Advantages: fast, reliable, easy-to-use.
Improvement: no automated previewer, free version is for scan and preview only.
Video Tutorial on How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac
How to Select Your Mac Data Recovery Software
After testing and reviewing the 10 best free Mac data reocvery software, we can conclude all the key attributes that a piece of powerful Mac data recovery software should have.
- Support a wide range of files. There are so many types and formats of data we need and use every day. So it is very important for Mac data recovery software to recover almost all kinds of data, at least photos, videos, music, audios and Office documents.
- Support to Mac data recovery in all situations. Data loss can happen due to numerous factors, such as accidental deletion, virus attack, emptied Mac trash, hard drive corruption, formatting, and lost partitions.
- Support a variety of device. We need different electronic devices to help us keep data preserved and protected, especially digital cameras, Mac computers, external hard drives, cell phones, flash drives and so on.
- Straightforward interface. Not everyone is an expert in computer running algorithm or data recovery technology. So for an ideal Mac data recovery program, ease of use is necessary.
- Free Mac data recovery. As we can see, not all free Mac data recovery software can help you recover files on Mac totally free. If the software comes with only free scan and preview functions. It is not recognized as a free one.
What Is the Best Free Data Recovery Software for Mac?
After viewing the above content, we think that everyone has their own choice. You can choose your software according to your own needs. For example, if you are a professional computing expert, you can choose PhotoRec Data Recovery. It needs professional skills and has very complicated recovery process, but it is able to help you recover files on Mac for free. However, if you want to recover Mac data more quickly and easily, it might be not a good option.
On the contract, Recoverit can help you recover lost or deleted files on Mac in 3 steps. It requires no professional skills in computing and technology. It also enables you to preview different types and formats of data on Mac.
The Bottom Line:
All the free Mac data recovery software above mentioned can help you recover lost data on Mac. If you want the easier and effective way to recover your deleted or lost data, we recommend Recoverit Data Recovery software. It is a reliable and safe Mac data recovery program. Download and try it for free now
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