Looking change your Mac’s startup disk? We’ve got you covered.
There are a few steps you’ll need to follow depending on whether you want to change it for the next startup only or for every startup going forward. It’s also important to note that the process for changing the startup disk is different for newer Macs with Apple silicon compared to older Intel-based Macs.
If you want to change your startup disk for the next startup only, here’s what you’ll need to do:
For Apple silicon Macs:
- Shut down your Mac by clicking the Apple symbol () in the menu bar and selecting Shut Down….
- Press and hold down the power button until “Loading startup options” appears on the screen.
- When you see the available startup volumes, select one and click the Continue button.
For Intel-based Macs:
- Shut down your Mac by clicking the Apple symbol () in the menu bar and selecting Shut Down….
- Press and hold the Option key as you press the power button to start up your Mac.
- When you see the available startup disks, select one and click the Up arrow.
If you want to set a default startup disk, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Click the Apple symbol () in the menu bar and select System Settings….
- Click General in the sidebar and select Startup Disk on the right.
- Click the icon of the disk you want to use as your default startup disk.
- Enter your admin password or use Touch ID to confirm the change if required.
- Click Restart….
It’s worth noting that if you have a Mac with an Apple T2 Security Chip, you may need to set additional security features via the Startup Security Utility in order to change the startup disk. And if you’re selecting a network startup volume, make sure to choose a standard network volume (shown as a globe with a folder) and not a network install image (shown as a globe with a downward-pointing green arrow). Otherwise, you may end up reinstalling your system software and potentially erasing the contents of your disk.