---
id: settings.will-i-lose-storage-studio-settings-if-i-reinstall-macos
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/settings/will-i-lose-storage-studio-settings-if-i-reinstall-macos
category: "Settings & keep-time"
subcategory: "Advanced, self-backup and Demo Mode"
question: "Will I lose my Storage Studio settings if I reinstall macOS?"
alt_questions:
  - "Reinstall Mac keep Storage Studio settings"
  - "Restore Storage Studio after erasing Mac"
  - "Back up Storage Studio preferences"
  - "Storage Studio settings after clean install"
short_answer: "Not if your external drive holds a self-backup. Click Backup now before erasing, then after reinstalling open Settings → Advanced → Self-backup and Restore the latest copy."
tags: ["self-backup", "reinstall", "settings"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-restore-storage-studios-own-settings-backup", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/settings/what-is-self-backup"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Will I lose my Storage Studio settings if I reinstall macOS?

Not if your external drive has a recent self-backup. Storage Studio copies its own settings, transfer history and rule state to the drive every day, precisely so a Mac reinstall doesn't lose them.

After reinstalling and setting Storage Studio up again, connect the drive, open **Settings → Advanced → Self-backup** and click **Restore** on the most recent copy. Click **Backup now** before you erase your Mac to make sure the latest settings are saved.