Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to download and clean install macOS 26 Tahoe software update on an Apple silicon Mac.
Get the Best Performance Out of macOS 26 Tahoe by Doing a Clean Install on Your Apple Silicon Mac
If you own an Apple silicon Mac and want to perform a clean install of macOS 26 Tahoe, then the Internet Recovery option is the way to go.
However, do keep in mind that it takes a little while for Apple to update Internet Recovery with the latest version of macOS. There is a chance that you will still see macOS Sequoia in Internet Recovery.
An Important Warning Before Going Ahead
This method also means that you will lose all your files and settings. So, take the time to backup your important stuff to either iCloud, or just toss everything in an external drive.
No Need to Worry About Compatibility
Whether you have the M1 MacBook Air, or the latest and greatest with the M4 Max chip inside, you can run macOS 26 Tahoe on it. If you still want to check out the compatibility list, you will find it here.
Use Internet Recovery to Clean Install macOS 26 Tahoe
Step 1. Make sure your Mac is completely powered off.
Step 2. Press and hold the Power button on your Mac until you see startup options.
Step 3. Choose Options, and then click on Continue.
Step 4. Once you’re in, you’ll see Disk Utility. Click on it.
Step 5. Select your Mac’s SSD and then click on Erase at the top. Once the erase is complete, your Mac will restart.
Step 6. Once you’re back into Internet Recovery, click on Reinstall macOS. Follow on-screen instructions and you’ll be done in no time.
The only thing that might hold you back is your internet connection. If it’s slow, it will take a while to download macOS 26 Tahoe from Apple’s servers. It’s best that you do this clean install late at night.
There was a time when I would ask people to perform a clean installation of macOS by creating a bootable USB. But that time is long gone, and no one should put in that much effort just to clean install an operating system.
Internet Recovery makes things way too easy for everyone, and users should know how it works. All it takes is a press and hold of the power button on your Mac. That’s it.
