Apple is making it easier for users to restore their Macs with the release of macOS Monterey. The updates feature a new option in the System Preferences application titled “erase all contents and settings,” similar to what iOS and iPadOS have offered for years. The option will allow you to erase all data and apps associated with a user from a Mac without having to reinstall the operating system
macOS Monterey offers ‘erase all contents and settings’ option to users
In the past, users had to erase their Mac completely, then reinstall macOS in order to restore it to factory settings. But with this new ‘erase all contents and settings’ option, it will be super easy to remove personal data from a Mac making it ready to be handed to someone else. Apple explains how the feature will work:
System Preferences now offers an option to erase all user data and user-installed apps from the system, while maintaining the operating system currently installed. Because storage is always encrypted on Mac systems with Apple silicon or the T2 chip, the system is instantly and securely “erased” by destroying the encryption keys.
Users will be able to access the option via System Preferences, but it is not a part of the first beta of macOS Monterey. The tech giant says the option will be available by macOS Monterey’s stable release to the public this fall.
There are a number of reasons why users may want to restore their Mac to its factory settings. One of the main reasons to do this is if you are buying a new machine and want to sell or give away your previous machine. It can also be helpful if you are experiencing issues with your machine and want to restore it to factory settings to fix it.
Apple announced macOS Monterey at WWDC 2021 with a brand new version of Safari, major new FaceTime improvements, Universal Control, Live Text, Focus, and various enhancements to Messages, Notes, Apple Maps, and Privacy. For the first time ever, Apple has also introduced AirPlay to Mac, allow users to AirPlay content from their iPhone or iPad to their Macs. macOS Monterey also finally gets the Shortcuts app, years after it was launched on iOS and iPadOS.
The update is available to developer beta testers now with a public beta coming soon in July, followed by a stable release in the fall.
Read more:
