There are some universal commands, like the Option boot loader menu, which will change out the startup disk on system boot.Again, keep in mind there is some difference between a Power PC Macintosh and an Intel based Macintosh, and of course, the Mac hardware will matter for these as well. These boot commands come directly from Apple, and they’re sure to work on any older Mac model. Start up in Single-User mode (command line) To do this, start your Mac in single-user mode. This is the thing you should try last, as Disk Utility in the recovery environment may work better and be more capable. You don’t need to do this if any of the above steps worked. Press Cmd-Opt-Shift-Delete during startup You may need to boot your Mac into single-user mode and run the fsck (file system check) command the old-fashioned way. If you're using Boot Camp to start up from Microsoft Windows, set Startup Disk preferences to start up from macOS instead. Then shut down or restart and try again.Hold Mouse button down immediately after powering onīypass primary startup volume and seek a different startup volume (CD, etc.).Some key combinations won't work if your Mac is using a firmware password.If you're using a keyboard made for a PC, such as a keyboard with a Windows logo, try a keyboard made for Mac.

Or use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you're using a wireless keyboard, plug it into your Mac if possible. All the keyboard shortcuts you can use when starting up your Mac.Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognised and ready for use. Click on the disk you want to turn into the default boot disk, press and hold the Option key, then click Always Use. You’ll be back at the Startup Options screen. System Startup Hold Option-Command-Shift-Delete during startup, Bypass primary startup volume and seek a different startup volume (such as a CD or external. You may need to wait a few seconds before pressing the keys to give your Mac more time to recognise the keyboard as it starts up. From a shut down M1 Mac, press and hold the Power button until Loading Startup Options appears, then release the button.Then press and hold the key combination after pressing the power button to turn on your Mac. If your Mac won't shut down, press and hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until your Mac turns off. Press Command + S During Startup Holding down Command + S during startup will boot your Mac into Single User Mode. If you can't get a key combination to work when restarting your Mac, shut down your Mac first.Press and hold all keys in the given combination together, not one at a time.

All mac startup commands