What is the main function of macOS Recovery?

The main function of macOS Recovery is to provide users with tools to reinstall macOS or repair the disk. This feature is essential for troubleshooting and resolving issues that may arise with the operating system or the hard drive. If a user encounters problems such as the Mac not starting up correctly or experiencing performance issues, accessing macOS Recovery allows the user to reinstall the operating system, potentially restoring it to a functional state without losing personal data. Additionally, the disk utility available within Recovery can be used to repair the startup disk or perform other disk-related tasks.

The focus on reinstalling the operating system and disk repair is crucial for maintaining the health of a Mac. This function stands separately from tasks like updating the operating system, which would typically occur through System Preferences, or creating backup copies of data, which is generally handled by Time Machine or other backup solutions. The reinstallation of applications is not a primary function of the Recovery system either; rather, that would be managed through the App Store or similar means after the OS is reinstalled.