Startup Keys

Question 1

Command (⌘)-R

Answer 1

Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS; depending on the key combination you use while starting up. If your Mac is using a firmware password; you’re prompted to enter the password.

Question 2

Option (⌥) or Alt

Answer 2

Start up to Startup Manager; which allows you to choose other available startup disks or volumes. If your Mac is using a firmware password; you’re prompted to enter the password.

Question 3

Option-Command-P-R

Answer 3

Reset NVRAM or PRAM. If your Mac is using a firmware password; it ignores this key combination or starts up from macOS Recovery.

Question 4

Shift (⇧)

Answer 4

Start up in safe mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.

Question 5

D

Answer 5

Start up to the Apple Diagnostics utility. Or use Option-D to start up to this utility over the Internet. Disabled when using a firmware password.

Question 6

N

Answer 6

Start up from a NetBoot server; if your Mac supports network startup volumes. To use the default boot image on the server; hold down Option-N instead. Disabled when using a firmware password.

Question 7

Command-S

Answer 7

Start up in single-user mode. Disabled in macOS Mojave or later; or when using a firmware password.

Question 8

T

Answer 8

Start up in target disk mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.

Question 9

Command-V

Answer 9

Start up in verbose mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.

Question 10

Eject (⏏) or F12 or mouse button or trackpad button

Answer 10

Eject removable media; such as an optical disc. Disabled when using a firmware password.