Create a bootable OS X 10.9 Mavericks USB disk

Posted inArticles2013-10-24

Requirements:

  • USB disk with at least 8GB size
  • Download the Mavericks update, Do not install. (OSX cleans installation files upon installation)
  • This drive can be used for fresh install of OS X 10.9 Mavericks.

Process:

  1. Insert USB disk and use Disk Utility to erase the disk.
    This will erase and create a empty disk with name “Untitled”.
  2. Start “Terminal” app, and run following command, 
    sudo /Applications/Install OS X Mavericks.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install OS X Mavericks.app --nointeraction
  3. System will ask you for a password. Enter and wait till the process completes. 
    WARNING: Improper use of the sudo command could lead to data loss
    or the deletion of important system files. Please double-check your
    typing when using sudo. Type "man sudo" for more information.
    
To proceed, enter your password, or type Ctrl-C to abort.
    
Password:
    Erasing Disk: 0%... 10%... 20%... 30%...100%...
    Copying installer files to disk...
    Copy complete.
    Making disk bootable...
    Copying boot files...
    Copy complete.
    Done.

And it is done!