Everything you need to know before installing a macOS beta

With WWDC just around the corner, time is running out to explore the first betas of the upcoming macOS operating systems. If you’re eager to experience the new features that are about to be introduced, we’ll provide you with essential information in this post to ensure a safe installation of a macOS beta.

The risks of installing a macOS beta

mac-os-finder

Before delving into the steps you should follow, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with installing a beta version of an operating system. Contrary to expectations, these early versions are filled with bugs that need to be identified and addressed.

Furthermore, the performance optimization of applications and the overall stability of your Mac cannot be guaranteed, even if you own the latest model. As the system is in the testing phase, there is a risk of potential data loss, including files that are important to you.

It’s important to note that the applications you regularly use may not function correctly, or worse, may not work at all since they may not be compatible with the new operating system. As you can see, there are various factors to consider when installing a beta version, especially if you’re not a developer.

Install a beta safely with these tricks

Our first recommendation is to avoid installing a macOS beta on your primary computer due to the reasons mentioned earlier. Instead, it’s best to install the new system on a secondary computer. However, if you only have one Mac computer, we suggest creating a separate partition on your hard drive using Disk Utility. This will allow you to run the beta independently of your main operating system.

Even though the beta can function independently, it’s still essential to back up all your data and files. This ensures the safety of your information. In the event that the beta doesn’t meet your expectations or fails, you’ll have all your previous data readily available.

Mac Disk Utility

Moreover, if you’re interested in installing a macOS beta, we recommend doing so through Apple‘s official channels, such as the Apple Beta Software Program or opening a developer account. These methods ensure that you’ll only download the official system without any malware or other harmful programs that could affect your Mac. It’s crucial to avoid using unauthorized third-party modifications or unofficial methods as they may disrupt the normal functioning of your computer even after uninstalling the beta.