Need to reinstall macOS or fix system issues? A bootable USB installer is essential for macOS recovery, fresh installations, or troubleshooting. While Apple recommends using a Mac to create one, you can actually make a macOS bootable USB from Windows—here’s how.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Why You Need a macOS Bootable USB
✅ Prerequisites (USB, Disk Space, Tools)
✅ Step-by-Step Guide Using TransMac
✅ Booting from USB on a Mac
✅ Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why Create a macOS Bootable USB?

A bootable macOS USB lets you:
✔ Reinstall macOS (Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, etc.)
✔ Fix startup issues (Corrupted OS, disk errors)
✔ Install macOS on unsupported Macs (Using patchers)
✔ Clean install (Remove bloatware, reset system)

⚠️ Note: This method works for Intel & Apple Silicon Macs, but requires a Windows PC for USB creation.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

1. A USB drive (16GB+) – Will be erased, so back up data.
2. macOS .DMG file (Download from Apple’s Archive)
3. TransMac (Windows tool to write macOS to USB) – Download Here
4. A Mac (To boot from the USB later)

Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive (Convert to GPT)

Since macOS requires GPT partitioning, we’ll format the USB correctly via Command Prompt:

1. Connect the USB to your Windows PC.
2. Open Command Prompt as Admin (Win + X → Terminal (Admin)).
3. Run these commands one by one:

   diskpart
   list disk
   select disk X (Replace X with your USB disk number)
   clean
   convert gpt
   create partition primary
   exit

✅ Verify: The USB should now be GPT-formatted.

Step 2: Download macOS .DMG File

1. Visit the macOS Archive on Archive.org.
2. Choose your macOS version (Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, etc.).

• Important: Download a version equal to or newer than your Mac’s original OS.
• Example: If your Mac shipped with Big Sur (11.0), avoid Catalina (10.15).

1. Wait for download (Files are large, ~12-16GB).

Step 3: Write macOS to USB Using TransMac

1. Install TransMac (Run tmsetup.exe → Follow setup).
2. Run as Admin (Right-click → Run as Administrator).
3. Right-click your USB → Restore with Disk Image.
4. Select the .DMG file (macOS installer).
5. Click OK → Wait (~30-60 mins).

⚠️ If blocked by Windows Defender:

• Temporarily disable real-time protection (Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Manage Settings).

Step 4: Boot Mac from USB

1. Insert USB into the Mac.
2. Power on → Hold Option (⌥) (Intel) or Hold Power Button (Apple Silicon).
3. Select the USB drive from boot options.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to install macOS.

Troubleshooting

❌ “Could not access disk media” → Disable antivirus & retry.
❌ Mac won’t boot from USB → Ensure GPT partitioning & USB compatibility.
❌ Installation fails → Verify macOS version compatibility.

Final Thoughts

Creating a macOS bootable USB from Windows is possible with TransMac. This method is perfect for:
✔ Emergency recovery (When no Mac is available)
✔ Clean macOS installations
✔ Fixing corrupted systems

🔗 Useful Links:

• Download macOS .DMG Files
• TransMac Official Site

Tags:

macOS Bootable USB, Install macOS from Windows, TransMac Guide, macOS Recovery, Mac Troubleshooting

Hashtags:

#macOS #BootableUSB #Apple #TechGuide #MacTips

Rakesh Bhardwaj

Rakesh Bhardwaj is a seasoned editor and designer with over 15 years of experience in the creative industry. He specializes in crafting visually compelling and professionally polished content, blending precision with creativity. Whether refining written work or designing impactful visuals, Rakesh brings a deep understanding of layout, typography, and narrative flow to every project he undertakes.

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