Reset and Format a Storage Device Using Mac’s Disk Utility

Mac’s Disk Utility is an effective application included in macOS that lets users manage their storage devices effectively. It simplifies and makes available the processes of formatting a storage device for a new start or returning it to its factory settings. Using this program, you may reset and format storage devices.  

When setting up a new external hard drive or configuring an old one, it’s crucial to understand how to partition a hard drive for MacOS effectively using Mac’s Disk Utility. This process allows you to organize your storage into segments that can be managed independently. Users may easily partition Macintosh disks using software such as Mac Disk Utility. This makes it an excellent alternative for individuals who want partitioning Macbooks for various purposes, such as dual-boot systems or separate storage for files and applications. 

The built-in partitioner for Mac has a simple interface that allows you to change the size and format of each partition to meet your requirements. This capability enhances the overall functionality and efficiency of your Mac’s storage system.

Understanding Disk Utility

Disk Utility manages drives and volumes. The word “disk” refers to the drive itself. A volume is a formatted part. Each drive has at least one volume. Disk Utility allows you to create a single or more volume on a drive.

It’s critical to understand the connection between a drive and its volumes. You can delete a volume without affecting the rest of the drive. However, deleting the drive removes all of its volumes.

The Utility program is divided into three primary sections. It includes a toolbar on the right where you may execute actions on a selected drive or volume, a vertical pane on the left that shows drives and volumes, and a toolbar that runs over the top of the workspace.

Accessing Disk Utility

To begin, you need to open Mac Disk Utility. Open the Applications folder and then start Disk Utility. Alternatively, you may easily locate and access it using Spotlight search. Once it is open, a list of all linked drives and volumes will appear.

Resetting a Storage Device

Resetting a storage device to factory defaults removes all data and returns it to the initial configuration. This procedure is beneficial if the equipment is giving you trouble or if you’re preparing it for a different use.

Steps to Reset a Non-Startup Volume:

1. Open Disk Utility, then choose whatever volume you wish to reset from the sidebar.
2. Select the ‘Macos disk utility erase’ tab at the top window.
3. Click the format dropdown menu and select the preferred format. 
4. Once the drive has been deleted, label it so that the Finder can locate it.
5. Click Erase and confirm your decision. The program will remove the volume, clean it out, and then remount it with the identical name and format.

Formatting a Storage Device

Formatting is similar to resetting but often refers to setting up a storage device with a particular file system. This can be crucial for compatibility with operating 

systems or specific uses like video editing or backup. Easy Steps to Format a Hard Drive:

1. Using Disk Utility, choose the drive you wish to format from the sidebar.
2. After selecting the “Erase” tab, give the drive a name.
3. Select a format from the ‘Format’ dropdown menu. Choose ‘APFS’ for SSDs or ‘Mac OS Extended (Journaled)’ for older hard drives.
4. Click Erase, and Disk Utility will prepare your drive according to the specifications.

Secure Erase Options

Disk Utility offers several levels of secure erase for those needing additional security. These options are helpful when erasing sensitive data to prevent data recovery.

• Fastest: Removes directory information but does not overwrite or hide data.
• Zero Out Data: Writes zeros across the entire drive, a moderate security level.
• Three-Pass Secure Erase: Writes two passes of random data and one pass of known data, meeting the U.S. Department of Energy’s standards.
• Most Secure (DOD 5220-22M Standard): This method overwrites data seven times, ensuring it cannot be recovered.

Using Disk Utility from Recovery Mode

If you need to format or reset the startup disk, you must do so from macOS Recovery because Disk Utility cannot erase or format the drive it’s running from. To erase Mac disk utility from macOS Recovery:

1. After your Mac restarts, press and hold the Command + R keys until the Apple logo shows.
2. Open the macOS Utilities window and select “Disk Utility.”
3. Follow the steps outlined above to erase or format your startup disk.

Restarting Your Mac

After formatting or resetting your drive, you can restart your Mac by choosing Restart from the Apple menu.

Mac Disk Utility is one of the most valuable tools for organizing Mac storage devices. It offers all the features required to set up and maintain your drives, including partition creation, disk erasure, and formatting. To prevent unintended data loss, always back up your data before doing any drive administration.