Use macOS Recovery

Question 1

When are you prompted to enter a firmware password?

Answer 1

You will see a prompt for a firmware password after you start your Mac up from macOS Recovery.

The firmware password prompt appears after you restart or turn on your Mac and then immediately
press and hold Command-R. You release the keys when you see the Apple logo, a spinning globe, or the
prompt for a firmware password.

Question 2

Which utilities are available when you start up from macOS Recovery?

Answer 2

macOS Recovery gives you access to Restore from Time Machine Backup, Install/Reinstall macOS, Get
Help Online through Safari, Disk Utility, Startup Disk, Firmware Password Utility, Network Utility,
Terminal, and Reset Password.

Question 3

What are the different macOS Recovery options and startup key combinations?

Answer 3

macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS depending on the startup key combination you
use:
a. Command-R—Install the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac without upgrading to the latest
version.
b. Option-Command-R—Upgrade to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
c. Shift-Option-Command-R—Install the macOS that came with your Mac or the version closest to it
that is still available.

Question 4

How can you create an external macOS installation disk?

Answer 4

You can create a macOS Recovery disk that includes the macOS Mojave tools and installation assets
with the createinstallmedia command-line tool in macOS Installer.