Make A Bootable OS X Mavericks USB Install Drive With DiskMaker X

UPDATE 09/2017: Create a Bootable macOS High Sierra Install Drive with DiskMaker X 7

Update 09/2015: For help creating a bootable USB install drive for OS X El Capitan, click here.

Last week, Apple released its Mavericks update with the 10.9.1 version of the operating system – which we hope fixes a few bugs that we saw in the first iteration released Oct. 22.

And if the latest update has you finally looking to upgrade your Mac to the new version of the operating system, it’s worth noting that like its predecessors – beginning with OS X 10.7 – Mavericks is only available for install via download from the Mac App Store.

This means those who previously relied on DVD installs will be unable to do so with this version. Luckily, DiskMaker X helps fill the void by allowing you to make a bootable OS X 10.9 Mavericks USB install drive.

What’s really great about this software is like OS X Mavericks, the DiskMaker X software won’t cost you a thing (however, donations are accepted). All you need is an 8 GB (minimum) USB thumb drive, a USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt drive or an SD-Card, the OS X 10.9 Mavericks Installer from the App Store, and the DiskMaker X application.

DiskMaker X is fairly straightforward and will guide you through the process of making your install drive. It should be noted that DiskMaker X erases the volume or the drive you chose, according to the options you chose. So don’t forget to backup your data first!

A Brief Walkthrough:

1.) Open the DiskMaker X  disk image (.dmg) file and you will get a window with the application and a shortcut to the Applications folder. Drag the Lion head (Tiger? Cheetah?) to the Applications folder that the arrow is pointing to.

2.) Open Finder, go to your Applications folder, and launch “DiskMaker X”

3.) You will get the window below defaulted to the “Mavericks (10.9)” option.

4.) After selecting “Mavericks (10.9),” you will get the next screen that will notify you of any installers it has found. It will be defaulted to “Use this copy” and we want to click on this.

5.) The next window will ask what kind of disk you’re using. In our case, we’re using an 8GB thumb drive, so we’ll select that option. If you’re using another type of drive, choose the other option.

6.) The next window will suggest where to put the installer. This will locate the 8GB flash drive you have in the machine. Click “Choose this disk”.

7.) You will get the following window to confirm you want to erase the selected disk. Click “Erase then create the disk”.

8.) The next step is to provide your administrator password for DiskMaker X so that it can make the disk image.

9.) After providing your Administrator password, it will start to make the bootable installer.

10.) Once DiskMaker X has finished making the bootable Mavericks USB drive, It will give you a window with instructions.

So if you’re stuck with a slow or non-existent Internet connection or simply would like to have a tangible install disk, DiskMaker X makes for a nice alternative to the App Store download.

Note: OWC has no affiliation with this software and receives no benefit related to this support (other than a benefit we all share in the continued support of these applications). If you appreciate the function or functionality this software offers, we encourage you to support the authors.

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