I want to reformat my 2020M1 MacBook Pro

[negativepitch]

Sorry if this is the wrong section, so Mods please move if needed.
I have a MacBook Pro M1 2020.
I would like to completely reformat it, so I can install a fresh copy of Sonoma.
I have already backed everything I want to keep to an external drive manually.
Do I need to make a bootable disk?
I have major problems with it at the moment and I think I may have a trojan, but I have tried everything, my settings keep changing to all sorts, so have decided to format the whole thing.
In my old mac,(Mid 2009) you would make a bootable disk, although I had the actual disk that came with my old mac.
So wiped the drive, then used the original disc to start from fresh.
Obviously, my current 2020 Mac came with the OS already installed, so you don't get a disc any longer.
Would I need to partition the drive etc etc as well?
I have tried holding down Start button, Options, reinstall Mac Sonoma, but that doesn't wipe the drive and install reinstall from fresh as though it has just come brand new from the Apple Store...if You follow.
Thanks for any replies

 

[Slix]

For newer Macs, you do not need to do any formatting or partitioning or anything.

Follow this guide for erasing your Mac:

Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings - Apple Support

Use Erase All Content and Settings to quickly and securely erase all of your settings, data, and apps, while maintaining the operating system currently installed.

support.apple.com

 

[negativepitch]

For newer Macs, you do not need to do any formatting or partitioning or anything.

Follow this guide for erasing your Mac:

Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings - Apple Support

Use Erase All Content and Settings to quickly and securely erase all of your settings, data, and apps, while maintaining the operating system currently installed.

support.apple.com

Many Thanks.

 

[Fishrrman]

I just experimented with the "erase all content and settings" option yesterday.
(2021 MacBook Pro 14").

The process was quick and easy.
It returns your Mac to "moment zero" (same as if you pressed the power on button for the very first time after taking it out of the box, or opening the lid on a MacBook Pro for the very first time).

Remember that the OS itself resides in the "Sealed System Volume" and nothing can "get to it".
This includes things like "trojans", etc.

Once you're at "moment zero", you can either
- re-migrate from a backup
or
- start out completely fresh.

 

[negativepitch]

I just experimented with the "erase all content and settings" option yesterday.
(2021 MacBook Pro 14").

The process was quick and easy.
It returns your Mac to "moment zero" (same as if you pressed the power on button for the very first time after taking it out of the box, or opening the lid on a MacBook Pro for the very first time).

Remember that the OS itself resides in the "Sealed System Volume" and nothing can "get to it".
This includes things like "trojans", etc.

Once you're at "moment zero", you can either
- re-migrate from a backup
or
- start out completely fresh.

That's great.
Thanks for that.