Some Mac users choose to perform a clean install of each major new version of Mac OS, erasing their drive and starting over. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing a clean install of newest macOS Mojave using a bootable USB drive without losing your data. VLC is considered to be one of the most popular video players for Mac because it has the capability to play nearly all file formats. It is an open-source, cross platform media player that was first developed around 1996, so it was one of the first media players available. So, WWDC 2018 is over, and Apple announced Mac OS X Mojave. Some of those features might look pretty good to you, so here are a few that you can already get.

With every new OS release, Apple tightens its ecosystem to make the Mac work more closely with mobile hardware, and Mojave is no exception. My favorite new feature is Continuity Camera.

Updates
Important Notes:

Using APFS is REQUIRED in Mojave in order to receive system updates via the normal Software Update method. If you choose to continue using macOS Extended (Journaled) as your filesystem type, you will NOT receive System Updates via System Preferences. If you are not using APFS, you can follow the 10.14.1 installation steps below.

After applying ANY system update via Software Update, re-applying post-install patches using your Mojave Patcher installer volume will most likely be necessary. If you install a software update and the system fails to boot afterwards, this is what needs to be done.

10.14.6

10.14.6 can be updated normally via Software Update if using an APFS volume, and will need to be patched using an installer volume created with Mojave Patcher version 1.3.2 or later after installing.

10.14.5

10.14.5 can be updated normally via Software Update if using an APFS volume, and will need to be patched using an installer volume created with Mojave Patcher version 1.3.1 or later after installing.

10.14.4

10.14.4 adds new changes that ARE NOT patchable by the post-install tool of Mojave Patcher v1.2.3 and older! Before updating to 10.14.4, you you will need to use the latest Mojave Patcher version to create a new installer volume, using the 10.14.4 installer app. Then, update to 10.14.4, either by installing via Software Update, or by just using the installer volume you've created to install.

10.14.3

If you are currently running 10.14.1 or 10.14.2, you can simply use the Software Update pane of System Preferences (if using APFS) to apply the 10.14.3 update. Once the update is installed, you will most likely need to re-apply post-install patches to get the system to boot again. This process is detailed in steps 8 - 10 above. If you are currently running 10.14.0, you'll need to proceed with the 10.14.1 update method described below.

10.14.2

If you are currently running 10.14.1, you can simply use the Software Update pane of System Preferences (if using APFS) to apply the 10.14.2 update. Once the update is installed, you will most likely need to re-apply post-install patches to get the system to boot again. This process is detailed in steps 8 - 10 above. If you are currently running 10.14.0, or are using a non-AFPS volume, you'll need to proceed with the 10.14.1 update method described below.

10.14.1/macOS Extended (Journaled) volumes

The Mojave 10.14.1 update does NOT install properly on unsupported machines, and could result in an unbootable OS. If you want to install the 10.14.1 update (and are not currently running 10.14.1), perform the following steps:
• Download the latest version of Mojave Patcher
• Download the installer using the Tools menu of Mojave Patcher
• Create a patched USB installer
• Boot from that, and install 10.14.1 onto the volume containing an older release.
• Once done, apply the post-install patches, and you should now be on 10.14.1.

Dark mode, dynamic desktop, stacks, security enhancements, and more: macOS Mojave introduced many new features and improvements to macOS. But like any other operating system, Mojave isn’t without its glitches, bugs, and all kinds of compatibility paradoxes. In this article, we’ll cover common macOS Mojave problems and explain how to solve them.

Before September 2018, macOS Mojave was only available as a Beta via an Apple developer account. If you want to get early access to future OS updates, you might consider becoming an Apple Developer. This privileged club costs $99 per year to join, and in exchange, you'll be the first to lay your hands on Apple’s fresh releases.

List of most common Mojave problems

Here is the list of most common Mojave issues that have been reported so far.

1. macOS Mojave install stuck

Is your Mac compatible with macOS Mojave?

One of the most reported macOS Mojave problems is a Mac getting stuck in the middle of the Mojave installation. A simple explanation — your Mac is just not technically fit to run Mojave. According to Apple, macOS 10.14 can be launched only on Macs not older than from 2012. If yours was released earlier — sorry, you’ll have to miss this update.
Below is the list of Mac models compatible with Mojave:

MacBook (Early 2015 or higher)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or higher)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or higher)
Mac Mini (Late 2012 or higher)
iMac (Late 2012 or higher)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac Pro (Late 2013, mid-2010, mid-2012 models)

Try reinstalling macOS Mojave from scratch

Okay, let’s assume your Mac is fully compatible with macOS Mojave. But still, you get something like 'Installation of macOS could not continue' on your screen. What’s causing the installation trouble, then? If your Mojave update stuck or ends abruptly, you should go back to square one and do it properly this time. The recommended procedure requires backing your Mac up and cleaning your Mac from “old baggage” that may interfere with the macOS update.

Step 1. Clean up your Mac from system junk

As a general rule, a fresh macOS requires a fresh hard drive. There are tons of outdated caches, app leftovers, plugins, and system logs on any given Mac. Not only do they take a lot of space, but they may also be causing various kernel-level errors. To clear them away, use a dedicated Mac cleanup app — you’ll be able to delete hidden junk that you otherwise can’t access. Among many alternatives, the simpler solution is CleanMyMac X, which has proved quite effective in cleaning my MacBook Pro (15-inch, 512 GB).

Download CleanMyMac for free from developer’s site.
Click Smart Scan.
Remove hidden junk from all the suggested folders.

Now your Mac is ready to install macOS Mojave on top of your current OS. What’s left is to prepare the data backup in case something goes wrong.

Step 2. Back up your Mac

Connect the external drive and launch Time Machine.
Switch Time Machine to “On” position.
Choose the external drive as a backup path.
Click “Backup Now.”

Step 3. Reinstall macOS Mojave

Now, delete the previously downloaded macOS Mojave installation (find it in your Downloads) and restart your computer. Next up, re-download the installation file from your Apple Developer Account or the Mac App Store.

What else you might try

You have downloaded the macOS Mojave and still cannot go past the “Preparing the installation…” window. Let’s admit, new macOS versions are often buggy and problematic, but here are a few more ideas to try.

Start your Mac in Recovery Mode. To enter Recovery Mode on Mojave, Click Apple logo > Restart. Right after that, hold down Command + R buttons while your Mac is restarting. While in Recovery Mode, you’ll be able to run Disk Utility to check your disk for consistency.
Disable your antivirus software if you have any installed. Sometimes such apps would block any new installation attempts — a classic case of overprotection.

2. Can’t install the Mojave on an external drive

Some folks have reported they have run into trouble trying to install macOS Mojave onto an external SSD drive. The installation would abort midway and eventually drop you back into High Sierra. As some bloggers have pointed out, the issue is caused by a USB-C adaptor connected to MacBook.

Clementine Mac Os Mojave