Delay Mac startup apps. If you don’t want to disable startup items, you may instead want to know how to edit startup programs Mac doesn’t need immediately. An app named Delay Start can – well, delay the start – of apps at startup. Instead of an app activating immediately, you can set some to spin up on a delay. Spontaneously reopening apps at startup Apple If the checkbox is selected (as shown here) when you shut down or restart, whatever apps are open at that time will reopen automatically.
To use any of these key combinations, press and hold the keys immediately after pressing the power button to turn on your Mac, or after your Mac begins to restart. Keep holding until the described behavior occurs.
Type in your log-in password, press and hold the Shift key before hitting enter. Release the shift key once you see the Dock. The startup apps will not load this time, though they will behave normally otherwise. Delay Startup Apps on Mac Startup. A very simple and basic app dubbed as Delay Start lends you an exciting way to manage startup apps.
- Command (⌘)-R: 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.
- Option (⌥) or Alt: 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.
- Option-Command-P-R:Reset NVRAM or PRAM. If your Mac is using a firmware password, it ignores this key combination or starts up from macOS Recovery.
- Shift (⇧): Start up in safe mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- D: Start up to the Apple Diagnostics utility. Or use Option-Dto start up to this utility over the Internet. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- N: 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.
- Command-S: Start up in single-user mode. Disabled in macOS Mojave or later, or when using a firmware password.
- T: Start up in target disk mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Command-V: Start up in verbose mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
- Eject (⏏) or F12 or mouse button or trackpad button: Eject removable media, such as an optical disc. Disabled when using a firmware password.
If a key combination doesn't work
If a key combination doesn't work at startup, one of these these solutions might help:
- Be sure to press and hold all keys in the combination together, not one at a time.
- Shut down your Mac. Then press the power button to turn on your Mac. Then press and hold the keys as your Mac starts up.
- Wait a few seconds before pressing the keys, to give your Mac more time to recognize the keyboard as it starts up. Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
- If you're using a wireless keyboard, plug it into your Mac, if possible. Or use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you're using a keyboard made for a PC, such as a keyboard with a Windows logo, try a keyboard made for Mac.
- 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.
Remember that some key combinations are disabled when your Mac is using a firmware password.
Learn more
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- Learn what to do if your Mac doesn't turn on.
- Learn about Mac keyboard shortcuts that you can use after your Mac has started up.
When your Mac does not start up, there could be a multitude of issues behind it. For that reason, we came up with these top 10 troubleshooting tips for a Mac to help resolve any problems.
While most of us are fortunate enough to experience trouble-free years, working every day without issues, others run into problems keeping them from using their Macs. Well, if a Mac does not start up, that does not necessarily mean you can’t do anything about it. Yes, it can be a disaster, especially if you have a deadline to meet. But again, these Mac troubleshooting tips should help you diagnose the problem and fix it, or at least, prepare you ahead for any problems.
1. Use Mac’s Safe Boot Option.
One of the easiest and most straightforward methods to diagnose startup problems with Macs is to use the Safe Boot option. This method technically forces a Mac to start up with only the most important apps and programs required for startup. It scans your startup drive to make sure that everything is ready for booting.
Follow the steps below to safe boot your Mac:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on by pressing the Power button and holding the Shift key.
- Wait for the Apple logo to appear.
- Once the login window shows up, you may release the Shift key and enter your login credentials.
- Sometimes, you will be asked to log in twice, especially if you enabled
2. Reset your Mac’s NVRAM or PRAM.
A PRAM or Parameter Random Access Memory holds the information needed for your Mac’s configuration, including the time and date, volume, mouse, desktop, and other control settings. Since it is powered by a tiny battery, most of the configurations won’t be deleted even if you turn off your Mac.
Now, there are times when a Mac does not start up because there is a problem with the NVRAM or PRAM. To fix it, you simply have to reset it. Here’s how:
- Switch off your Mac.
- Press the power button while pressing the Option, Command, P, and R Hold them until the startup sound is heard twice.
- Release the keys.
- That’s it. You have successfully reset your Mac’s NVRAM.
3. Reset your Mac’s System Management Controller.
Macbook Air Startup Apps
Most of your Mac’s basic hardware functions are controlled by the System Management Controller. That includes thermal management, how the power button works, and managing sleep mode. In cases when a Mac does not finish starting up or freezes while in the process of starting, sometimes, resetting the SMC fixes the problem.
To reset Mac’s SMC, follow these steps:
- Go to the Apple menu and hit Shut Down.
- Unplug your Mac’s power cord and wait for 15 seconds before plugging it back in.
- Wait for 5 more seconds and press the Power button.
- You have successfully reset your Mac’s SMC.
4. Reselect your Mac’s startup disk.
If you see the dreaded flashing question mark on your screen while your Mac is starting up, you might have to reselect a startup disk under System Preferences. To do that, here’s what you should do:
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
- Click Startup Disk.
- Select the icon of the disk you normally use when starting up your Mac. It’s often named Macintosh HD.
- Your Mac should now restart normally without the flashing question mark.
Remove Startup Apps Mac
5. Disconnect all your Mac’s external peripherals.
The startup process of a Mac is indeed unpredictable. After pushing the Power button, sometimes, you’d see a gray screen. If your Mac gets stuck at the gray screen, know that there’ll be a bit of work ahead of you. However, one of the best ways to avoid this issue is to disconnect all your external peripherals. Here’s how:
- Press and hold the Power button to force shut down your Mac.
- Disconnect all the external peripherals connected to your Mac, excluding the display, mouse, and keyboard. Make sure you disconnect the headphones, audio in or out cables, and Ethernet cable.
- Restart your Mac.
6. Repair blue screen problems.
If you turn on your Mac and you get stuck at the blue screen, chances are, your startup drive might be having issues. Often, they can be fixed with Apple’s Disk Utility, but you can also use third-party apps, such as TechTool Pro, DiskWarrior, or Drive Genius. Since you won’t be able to start up your Mac successfully, you might need to boot from another drive or from a DVD install disk.
7. Fix hard drive issues.
Some startup problems are caused by drives that require minor repairs. To get a Mac with a damaged hard drive up and running again, you have to repair the drive, using third-party software. You can browse the web for software or tools you can use to diagnose and repair the hard drive.
8. Create another user account to use in troubleshooting startup problems.
Creating another user account that has admin access can help diagnose and troubleshoot Mac startup problems. The primary reason for creating a spare account is to have a unique set of extensions, user files, and preferences that could be loaded at startup. Just be sure you create an account before the problem occurs.
9. Use Mac startup keyboard shortcuts.
By using Mac startup keyboard shortcuts, you can change your Mac’s default behavior when starting up. You may start up using special modes, such as Single-User or Safe mode, both of which are handy for troubleshooting. With these shortcuts, you can also ask your Mac to guide you through the startup process so you will know which particular step it is failing.
10. Fix installation problems, using OS X Combo updates.
Other Mac startup problems are triggered by OS X updates that went wrong. OS X update failure usually happens when a power hiccup or a power outage occurs during the installation process. The result could be a corrupted system that does not boot or a system that is unstable.
Which troubleshooting tip works best?
Though Macs are known for their quality and stability, they are still computers, which means they are susceptible to errors and problems. Now, whatever it is that prevents your Mac from starting up correctly, these 10 troubleshooting tips should help get it working again. It does not matter which tip you use. As long as you follow it correctly, then any startup issue won’t stand a chance.
While it does not actually get rid of Mac startup problems, installing Outbyte Mac Repair on your computer will make a difference. Not only will it improve your Mac’s performance, it will also keep your Mac free from junk files that may cause it to slow down and trigger other problems.
If you’re running into errors and your system is suspiciously slow, your computer needs some maintenance work. Download Outbyte PC Repair for Windows, Outbyte Antivirus for Windows, or Outbyte MacRepair for macOS to resolve common computer performance issues. Fix computer troubles by downloading the compatible tool for your device.
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See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.