Setting up new Mac: how beneficial is it doing a clean re-install of macOS? Migration generally bug free?

[Luba]

Is there any substantial benefit from reinstalling macOS from Internet Recovery (or just Recovery) when you get a new Mac? Some have said the macOS installed on new Macs aren't as stable as doing a clean install from Internet Recovery.

The easiest way of setting up a new Mac is using Migration, is that very stable/bug free? This time around I have my data on a separate HDD so I could use Carbon Copy Cloner my data over to another separate SSD, so need for Migration. Just wondering what's the best practice, best way of doing setting up a Mac, if speed isn't of the essence.

 

[mfram]

You’re going to get so many opinions. I have personally used Migration Assistant to move data from a TM backup to my new Mac 3 times and it’s always worked perfectly for me.

 

[Blowback]

Is there any substantial benefit from reinstalling macOS from Internet Recovery (or just Recovery) when you get a new Mac? Some have said the macOS installed on new Macs aren't as stable as doing a clean install from Internet Recovery.

The easiest way of setting up a new Mac is using Migration, is that very stable/bug free? This time around I have my data on a separate HDD so I could use Carbon Copy Cloner my data over to another separate SSD, so need for Migration. Just wondering what's the best practice, best way of doing setting up a Mac, if speed isn't of the essence.

Are you a 'I'll download and try this....' over and over sought of person? Or do you run a (relatively) 'neat' machine? If the later, as I am, you probably don't need a clean install.I've used MA/TimeMachine many times (even to overcome serious drive problems) and never had any issues later. On the other hand, if time is not an issue and you don't want to later second guess yourself : then a clean install can't really do any harm. And, if problems crop up, you have the practice as well as a better start as to how to investigate said problems

 

[MBAir2010]

drag and drop files and artwork after a clean install of an older OSX like mountain lion with new java script, security updates and the latest safari always perked up the 2010 macbook air like a shower after a 10 hour bike or motorcycle ride refreshed the MBA many times last decade and got rid of older clinging junk.

 

[Apple_Robert]

There is no need to reinstall the OS on a brand new Mac you just unboxed. It is a waste of time. I would manually install apps and move files over you need. After everything gets set up, make a few backups so that you have your personal files and settings secure.

 

[fisherking]

i copy files manually over (from carbon copy cloner backups), and do clean installs of apps, but never the OS. if you're gonna do a time machine migration, clean up everything on the old mac first, so you don't import over what you don't really need (just a suggestion).

 

[BLUEDOG314]

I personally avoid Migration Assistant if possible. While TM on APFS is far better than the HFS+ limited implementation, I have never had things go perfectly even though I am one of those people who keeps a "neat" machine. IMO TM is great to keep and use to drag and drop files to a new machine, but you'll thank yourself in the long run if you just run a clean install of your apps. Besides, how often do you really get a new Mac.

Going back to your first question, I will always do an internet recovery wipe and reinstall on a new machine. I wondered for a while if this makes a difference myself, and in terms of "speeding up" the machine, I highly doubt it. On the other hand however, if definitely does free up a few more gigs of space somehow. To my knowledge the only apps that come preloaded today that can be deleted "normally" (without unsealing system volume and doing other fancy stuff) are Pages, Keynote, Numbers, Garage Band, and iMovie. I tested this on a work machine I was deploying a few months ago. Opened it up, created a dummy user account, deleted the apps I mentioned above and emptied the trash. Gave the system about ten minutes just in case to index and what not and looked at the Data volume in Disk Utility. I then did a clean install from internet recovery, made a dummy user, let system index again for about ten minutes and looked at Disk Utility. To my surprise there was IIRC (I did this like 4 months ago) like 3GB more space gained back. Never tried to dig into what was left from the uninstall of these programs, but I do prefer a clean wipe.

 

[bluecoast]

I think unless you have big pro apps with super optimised settings and particular audio & visual calibrations, do a clean install & copy your data over.

My iPhone and Mac always seem faster if I do this.

This is completely anecdotal, I know!

 

[fisherking]

I think unless you have big pro apps with super optimised settings and particular audio & visual calibrations, do a clean install & copy your data over.

My iPhone and Mac always seem faster if I do this.

This is completely anecdotal, I know!

um... how do you know your mac is faster? i mean, how do you compare it to an out-of-the box experience, if you've not had that experience? (just curious).

 

[bluecoast]

um... how do you know your mac is faster? i mean, how do you compare it to an out-of-the box experience, if you've not had that experience? (just curious).

Yes that’s the point - it’s purely subjective 😀

 

[fisherking]

Yes that’s the point - it’s purely subjective 😀

it's less than that; you have nothing to compare it to. it's comparing something you use with something you don't use, and 'deciding' which is better; like the mac-vs-pc people who've only used one platform, but know their chosen OS is better.

anecdotal experience would mean you're basing your observations on having experienced both methods of dealing with a new mac; what you're claiming is assumption.

 

[KaliYoni]

I think if doing a clean install on a new machine helps you sleep better at night, go for it. The time required is small compared to the total usage time over the life of the computer. There aren't any personal files or application preferences to mess up. Plus, personally, I like to take immediate actions that reduce ongoing stress or worry. Life is too short to spend a lot of time striving for an unattainable goal: the "perfect" setup of a new Mac.

 

[Luba]

I think if doing a clean install on a new machine helps you sleep better at night, go for it. The time required is small compared to the total usage time over the life of the computer. There aren't any personal files or application preferences to mess up. Plus, personally, I like to take immediate actions that reduce ongoing stress or worry. Life is too short to spend a lot of time striving for an unattainable goal: the "perfect" setup of a new Mac.

It's not a big deal as you're essentially saying, but I'm glad others have thought of this somewhat nerdy geeky question. It's good to know if you do an Internet Recovery clean install of macOS that apps that some would think of as bloatware won't be re-installed as 30 GB is significant if you only have a 256 GB or 512 GB internal SSD.