Step 1

Run CleanMyMac's Smart Care scan to clear junk files, caches, and malware

Step 2

Use Get Backup Pro to clone the entire Mac to an external drive, so the full system state is recoverable if anything goes wrong during or after the reset

Step 3

Run ChronoSync Express to double-check that specific folders — Documents, Desktop, project files — are mirrored to an external drive or cloud location before erasing

Step 4

Manually sign out of iCloud, iMessage, and the App Store, and unpair Bluetooth devices. This prevents lingering account connections after the Mac is wiped.

Step 5

On macOS Monterey or later, go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and follow the prompts to complete the wipe.

Step 6

After the clean install, use Get Backup Pro to restore only the files and apps you actually need — rather than migrating everything back and recreating the same bloat.