We both agree that an over the top is generally the best idea. For example, in OS X Yosemite, unless a kernel extension is digitally signed by Apple it won't load.Īdam Christianson ( has written 'If you aren’t really having any issues or problems then just download the new OS, install over the top and go on your merry way.'

On the other hand, over the years, we've learned that OS X is pretty good about ignoring things that are no longer applicable. In addition, sometimes the normal housecleaning process with apps like Spring Cleaning and App Zapper can't solve a particularly difficult issue, and the only way to get a fresh start is a Clean Install.īut First, Let Me Talk You Out of Doing ThisĪ Clean Install, as you'll see below, can be a time intensive process. See, for example: ' How to Manage the Secret Software That Google Chrome Installs on Your Mac.' Over time, a lot of cruft, that is, unused extensions, app support files, preferences and other files in your Library folder or System Library folder can become troublesome or even a security issue, like Java. There are some users who suspect that a Clean Install is a good way to approach a complete new version of OS X or macOS. This article, after a brief introduction, will list the steps needed for that Clean Install. However, there are occasions when a user needs to do what's called a 'Clean Install.' This is like setting up a Mac as if it first came out of the box and then personal data is restored. With this kind of upgrade, all user data, settings and accounts remain as before, and that works for most users most times. Apple has designed OS X/macOS so that one can just upgrade to the next version, 'over the top,' seamlessly.

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