how to make a usb drive bootable for mac os x

This works best with the final version of Mavericks available from the App Store to all users: This is the new simplified method based upon the ‘createinstallmedia’ command.

Simplified Method: Creating a OS X Mavericks Boot Install Disk You will need OS X Mavericks (obviously), and an 8GB (or larger) USB drive that you don’t mind formatting, we’re using a USB thumb drive for the purpose of this walkthrough but an external hard drive should work as well. It’s not too complicated, just a bit more time consuming.īefore beginning, make sure the Mac you want to install Mavericks on meets the system requirements for 10.9. Note that some users who have encountered a -9999 error when trying to use the aforementioned easier approach may resolve that issue by using the complex method mentioned below.īut unlike before with creating prior version OS X boot install drives, the process is slightly different with Mavericks and requires an additional set of steps to make the installer actually function as a a bootable installer disk. The below method still works, but most users will be better off using this simpler method.

Update: There is an easier way to create an installer drive using the final version of OS X Mavericks from the Mac App Store.

How to make a usb drive bootable for mac os x