Startup Keys

Modern (Intel) Macs

NOTE: Macs with a firmware password will not allow booting from a different volume without password. They will not PRAM.

Recovery:

• Command + R: Start up from built in recovery mode.

Macs upgraded to macOS 10.12.4 or later:

• Option + Command + R: Start up from latest internet recovery compatible with your Mac.
• Shift + Option + Command + R: Start up from internet recovery closest to original macOS that came with your Mac.

Macs not upgraded to macOS 10.12.4 or later:

• Option + Command + R: Start up from internet recovery closest to original macOS that came with your Mac.

Resets:

PRAM Reset:

• Option + Command + P + R: Reset NVRAM/PRAM. This will reset screen brightness, volume, default boot drive to first available storage device (usually internal HDD/SSD), Bluetooth/WiFi settings, Find My [Mac] token, display resolution, and Gpu selection.

SMC Reset:

• Left Control + Left Option + Right Shift + Power (7-45 seconds) - For Notebooks with T2 Chip
• Left Shift + Left Control + Left Option + Power -For Notebooks with non-removable battery and no T2
• All others - Discharge machine

Diagnostic:

• Option: Use the Start Up Manager. Newer Macs allow WiFi booting and selection of NetBoot volumes from this screen.
• Shift: Start up in safe mode.
• D: Start up the build in Apple Hardware Test (AHT).
• Option + D: Start up the internet Apple Hardware Test (AHT).
• N: Start up from the last or default NetBoot volume.
• Option + N: Start up from the default NetBoot volume.
• Command + S: Start up in single user mode.
• T: Start up in target disk mode.
• Command + V: Start up in verbose mode.
• Eject, F12, or pointer button: Eject removable devices.
• C: Boot from optical drive.