Did you know that it is possible to start our Mac in different modes, or to reset different parameters using only various keyboard shortcuts for this? This is, for example, especially useful when the device is not working properly, so we need to reset the PRAM or NVRAM.
Even sometimes we may need to start in recovery mode in order to reinstall the operating system, or recover our hard drive through the option that Apple provides us via the Internet.
Regardless of the reasons why we need to use them, we explain what keys you should press to start your Mac when you have some problems (yes, we must warn you that these shortcuts may not work with the new Macbook Pro).
Starting the system in safe mode
As with Windows, in macOS it is also possible to start the system in safe mode , which is a way to start the computer to carry out certain checks, and prevent, for example, specific software from opening or loading automatically.
According to Apple, starting the Mac this way is useful to check the startup disk and try to repair directory problems if necessary, prevent the startup and login items from opening automatically, disable user-installed fonts or clearing the kernel cache and other system cache files, among others.
To do this, we must turn on or restart the Mac, and immediately press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard. Then when we see the login window, we simply have to release this key.
Startup manager
The Startup Manager is a useful option for choosing a different startup disk or device during the operating system startup process. A good example is found when we have Windows installed as a secondary OS on a Mac.
To manage this option, we must start or restart the Mac, and immediately hold down the Option (Alt) key on the keyboard, and release it when we see the corresponding window appear. You just have to select the startup disk you want, by clicking on the arrow.
Start from Apple Hardware Test or Apple Diagnostics
In case there is a problem with our Mac, and we think it could be hardware related, it is possible to start the Apple Hardware Test . Then, in case we have been able to isolate the problem to a possible hardware problem, the next step will be to run Apple Diagnostics .
To do this, we must start or restart the Mac, and immediately press and hold down the D key on the keyboard, releasing it when the options indicated above appear. Then, we simply have to select one option and another.
Boot into recovery mode
Sometimes, perhaps the most dreaded, it is necessary to start in recovery mode in order to repair a disk or reinstall macOS . Or, restore the system from a Time Machine backup (a highly recommended option to avoid losing data).
To access this option, you must start or restart the Mac, and immediately press and hold the Command and R keys, releasing both keys when we see a rotating globe or the Apple logo appear on the screen.
Now, we choose one of the options that most interest us, and click on Continue .
Start in single user mode
If you have some experience working with UNIX, and need to try to isolate the problems associated with startup, it is possible to start the Mac in single-user mode . Of course, this option is only recommended for experienced advanced users.
To do this, you must start or restart the Mac and immediately press and hold the Command and S keys, and release them when we see white text appear on the screen.
