Download Article
Download Article
With the release of the OS X Lion operating system for Mac computers, Apple ceased traditional distribution of physical retail discs and instead offered the OS as a download via the Mac App Store. This has left users with many questions regarding performing installation and reinstallation tasks that would have, in the past, required the physical disc. This article will walk you through the process of reinstalling OS X Lion.
Steps
-
Hold down the “Command” and “R” keys while your Mac is booting. This will allow you to select one of multiple booting options.
-
Select “Recovery HD” when prompted and click the arrow below it to boot into recovery mode. It may take a few minutes to boot into recovery mode.Advertisement
-
Select “Reinstall Mac OS X “ from the Mac OS X Utilities dialog followed by the “Continue” button.
-
Select the drive or volume you want to reinstall Lion on and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Note: This option requires an internet connection in order to download the OS from the Apple servers.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionI get a "Temporarily unavailable" message, what should I do?Nathan WalkerCommunity AnswerIf you are trying to download an older version of Mac OS before Yosemite, you will get this error because the software is no longer available from Apple. You can pick up an install disk at an Apple Store or order it online.
-
QuestionHow can I reduce the unwanted applications that take up disk space on my Apple computer?Community AnswerIf you mean the pre-installed applications, they cannot be removed or put in the trash like downloaded apps.
-
QuestionHow do I sign in to OS X Lion once it's downloaded?Intellectia AICommunity AnswerOnce it's installed, follow these steps: (1) Complete Installation: After downloading OS X Lion from the App Store or a disk, the system will guide you through the installation process. (2) Sign in using your Mac account: Enter the username and password of your local Mac account (the account you were using before installing OS X Lion). (3) Sign in with Your Apple ID (optional). (4) Configure the system (if it’s a fresh installation): You might be prompted to set up a new user account, agree to Apple’s terms and conditions and configure Wi-Fi, Time Zone and other basic settings.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- You can open Launchpad in OS X Lion using custom shortcuts or hot corners by setting them in System Preferences.Thanks
- Swipe between pages of apps in Launchpad by clicking and holding your mouse while making a swiping gesture left or right, or use a two finger gesture on your trackpad.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- OS X Lion is only available as a downloadable upgrade through the Mac App Store.Thanks
Advertisement
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 94,658 times.
Advertisement