Startup key
combinations for Intel-based Macs
Keystroke
Description
Press C during
startup
Start up from a bootable CD or DVD, such as the Mac OS X
Install disc that came with the computer.
Press D during
startup
Start up in Apple Hardware Test (AHT), if the Install DVD 1
is in the computer.
Press
Option-Command-P-R until you hear two
beeps.
Reset NVRAM
Press Option during
startup
Starts into Startup Manager, where you can select a Mac OS
X volume to start from. Note: Press N to make the the first bootable
Network volume appear as well.
Press Eject, F12, or
hold the mouse (/trackpad) button
Ejects any removable media, such as an optical disc.
Press N during
startup
Attempt to start up from a compatible network server
(NetBoot).
Press T during
startup
Start up in FireWire Target Disk mode.
Press Shift during
startup
Start up in Safe Boot mode and temporarily disable login
items.
Press Command-V during
startup
Start up in Verbose mode.
Press Command-S during
startup
Start up in Single-User mode.
Press Option-N during
startup
Start from a NetBoot server using the default boot
image.
