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My MacBook Pro (11,4) is outfitted with macOS BigSur. A non-admin account provides access to the machine. I'd like to upgrade it to macOS Monterey, however, admin account is needed.

I am okay with backing up (Time Machine) the non-admin account and reformatting the machine from scratch with macOS Monterey.

That being said, if I am making his harder than it needs to be I'd like to know. What is the simplest path to upgrading to macOS Monterey?

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  • What happened to the admin account? Have you just forgotten the password, or ... something else? The OS is a completely separate thing from the user accounts, and should not normally need to be erased.
    – benwiggy
    Commented Aug 13 at 6:44
  • The admin account password was forgotten: the answer below allowed all accounts to be reset and then upgrade the OS
    – gatorback
    Commented Aug 14 at 1:22

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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As per this thread on Apple’s official support site:

How to reset computer password.

Intel Computer

  1. Restart computer and immediately hold Command+R keys.
  2. Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal.
  3. Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces.
  4. Press Return key.
  5. Follow the prompts and remember the new password.

Apple Silicon Computer

  1. Choose Apple menu >> Shut Down.
  2. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”
  3. Click “Options,” then click “Continue.”
  4. Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal
  5. Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces.
  6. Press Return key.
  7. Follow the prompts and remember the new password.
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