Troubleshooting Guide: macOS Not Working on Your Mac

Encountering issues with your Mac's operating system (macOS)? Don't worry; you can try troubleshooting them yourself with the help of this comprehensive guide. Our experts have compiled a set of solutions to help you resolve macOS-related problems. Give these troubleshooting steps a try, and if you need further assistance, feel free to contact us using the information provided below.

 

Table of Contents

  • Restart Your Mac
  • Check Available Storage Space
  • Update macOS
  • Reset NVRAM
  • Reset SMC
  • Run Disk Utility
  • Reinstall macOS

 

Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be affecting macOS. Follow these steps to restart your Mac:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  1. Select "Restart" from the drop-down menu.
  1. Allow your Mac to fully shut down and restart.

Once your Mac has restarted, check if the macOS issues have been resolved.

 

Check Available Storage Space

Insufficient storage space on your Mac can cause various performance and functionality issues. Follow these steps to check the available storage space:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "About This Mac.”
  2. In the Overview tab, click on “Storage.”
  1. Review the available storage space on your Mac's internal drive.
  1. If the available space is low, consider removing unnecessary files, applications, or using external storage devices to free up space.

 

Update macOS

Keeping your macOS up to date is crucial for stability, security, and performance improvements. Follow these steps to update macOS:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences.”
  1. In the System Preferences window, click on "Software Update.”
  1. If updates are available, click on "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now" to install them. You may be prompted to enter your password or restart your computer.
  1. After installing the updates, check if the macOS issues have been resolved.

 

Reset NVRAM

Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) on your Mac can help reset certain settings and potentially resolve macOS issues. Follow these steps to reset the NVRAM:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Turn on your computer and immediately press and hold the Option (⌥)-Command (⌘)-P-R keys simultaneously.
  1. Continue holding the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time, then release them.
  1. Once your Mac has restarted, check if the macOS issues have been resolved.

 

Reset SMC

Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your Mac can help resolve power and hardware-related issues, including macOS problems. Follow these steps to reset the SMC:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Depending on your Mac model, perform the appropriate steps:
        • For Macs with Apple silicon: Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, then release it. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
        • For Intel-based Macs: Disconnect the power cord from your Mac and wait for 15 seconds. Reconnect the power cord, then wait for another 5 seconds before pressing the power button to turn on your Mac.
  1. Once your Mac has restarted, check if the macOS issues have been resolved.

 

Run Disk Utility

Running Disk Utility can help identify and repair issues with your Mac's disk and file system. Follow these steps to run Disk Utility:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “Restart.”
  1. While your Mac is restarting, immediately press and hold the Command (⌘)-R keys until the Apple logo or a spinning globe appears.
  1. Select "Disk Utility" from the macOS Utilities window, then click on “Continue.”
  1. In Disk Utility, select your Mac's startup disk from the list.
  1. Click on the "First Aid" button and follow the instructions to run the disk repair process.
  1. Once the process is complete, check if the macOS issues have been resolved.

 

Reinstall macOS

If none of the above steps have resolved the macOS issues, reinstalling macOS may help. Before proceeding, it's essential to back up your important files. Follow these steps to reinstall macOS:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “Restart.”
  1. While your Mac is restarting, immediately press and hold the Command (⌘)-R keys until the Apple logo or a spinning globe appears.
  1. Select "Reinstall macOS" from the macOS Utilities window, then click on “Continue.”
  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS. This process will not erase your files, but it's always recommended to have a backup.
  1. Once the reinstallation is complete, check if the macOS issues have been resolved.