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Macbook EFI and Provide Access To Startup Functions

Macs utilize a modern firmware system called EFI instead of a traditional BIOS, with access to startup functions through macOS Recovery and the Startup Manager. The method to access these features varies between Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs, involving specific button combinations. In these modes, users can choose boot devices, reinstall macOS, use Disk Utility, and access security settings similar to BIOS functionalities.

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Jun Pamati-an
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19 views2 pages

Macbook EFI and Provide Access To Startup Functions

Macs utilize a modern firmware system called EFI instead of a traditional BIOS, with access to startup functions through macOS Recovery and the Startup Manager. The method to access these features varies between Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs, involving specific button combinations. In these modes, users can choose boot devices, reinstall macOS, use Disk Utility, and access security settings similar to BIOS functionalities.

Uploaded by

Jun Pamati-an
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Macs don't have a traditional BIOS like Windows PCs.

Instead, they use a modern firmware system


called EFI and provide access to startup functions through a special environment called macOS
Recovery and the Startup Manager.

Here’s how to access and use the features you would normally find in a BIOS. The method depends
on whether your Mac uses an Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, etc.) or an Intel processor.

How to Access Startup Options

First, completely shut down your MacBook. Then, follow the steps for your specific model.

For Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3 and later) 🚀


1. Press and hold the power button (the Touch ID button).
2. Keep holding the button even after the Apple logo appears.
3. Release the button when you see the "Loading startup options" text on the screen.
4. You will see icons for your startup disk (usually "Macintosh HD") and an "Options" gear icon.

For Intel-based Macs 💻


You use different key combinations immediately after pressing the power button to turn the Mac on.
To choose a startup disk (like a USB drive): Press and hold the Option (⌥) key. This opens
the Startup Manager, showing all bootable drives.

To enter macOS Recovery: Press and hold Command (⌘) + R. This boots your Mac into the
recovery environment.

What You Can Do in These Modes

These environments provide all the core functions you would expect from a BIOS.

Startup Manager (Choosing a Boot Device)

This is the equivalent of setting the boot order in a BIOS. It allows you to start your Mac from a
different volume or an external drive, like a USB installer for macOS or Windows (via Boot Camp on
Intel Macs).

On Apple Silicon: Select the drive you want to boot from and click Continue.
On Intel Macs: Use the arrow keys to select a drive and press Return (Enter).

macOS Recovery (System Tools & Security)

This is where you'll find system-level tools for repair, reinstallation, and security.
On Apple Silicon: Click the "Options" gear icon and then Continue.
On Intel Macs: Boot using Command (⌘) + R.

Once in macOS Recovery, you can:


Reinstall macOS: The primary option available.
Use Disk Utility: To erase, format, or repair your hard drive. This is necessary before a clean
installation.
Access Startup Security Utility: This is the most BIOS-like feature. 🔒 Go to the menu bar and
select Utilities > Startup Security Utility. Here you can:
Set a firmware password to prevent others from starting up from another disk.

Change Secure Boot settings (on newer Macs) to control what operating systems can be
loaded.

Use Terminal: For advanced command-line troubleshooting.

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