Mac fails to boot or start after the macOS update. Whatever is preventing your Mac from starting up, follow these 5 simple solutions to get it working again. If you have data loss problem after macOS update, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac provides tried-and-true data recovery service to you.
This page covers 5 fixes for Mac won't boot or start issue after macOS Big Sur, Catalina, Sierra or older macOS update issue. If you are with this issue, follow to make your Mac computer work now:
Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
---|---|
Fix 1. Fix PRAM/NVRAM | Restart Mac > Hold Command+Option+P+R keys to turn on Mac...Full steps |
Fix 2. Reset SMC | Shut down Mac > Unplug all cables > Plug in cables back after a few minutes...Full steps |
Fix 3. Boot in Safe Mode | Start Mac > Hold "Shift" until the login window appears > Release the key when login in window appears...Full steps |
Fix 4. Run Disk Utility | Turn of Mac > Hold Command + R keys and power Mac back up > Enter recovery mode...Full steps |
Fix 5. Reinstall macOS | Download macOS Catalina, Mojave, or Sierra > Create bootable USB > Clean install macOS...Full steps |
macOS has now been updated to 11.0, and many Mac users are trying to upgrade to the newest version. While for most it's a usual pleasurable experience, for some this update had downsides. Some users complain that their Mac computers won't boot after installing new macOS Big Sur/Catalina. When Mac fails, it usually can't boot or start up properly. If you are faced with this situation, the most important thing should be recovering data from the unbootable Mac because:
EaseUS Mac data recovery software is able to recover data from unbootable Macs after update. It creates a bootable media that enables you to recover data from Mac hard drive (If you only have one Mac). What's more, it recovers data from failed internal Mac hard drive, APFS boot drive, and unmountable APFS boot volume, etc. If you have two Mac devices, take out the hard drive and connect it to the other Mac. Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac on that Mac device, and recover data from the hard drive.
Step 1. Search for lost files
Select the disk location to search for lost files (it can be an internal HDD/SSD or an external hard drive) where you lost data and files. Click the "Search for lost files" button.
Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your HDD/SSD to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from your disk backup, and you can use the HDD or SSD again.
Step 2. Go through the scanning results
This software will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display pictures, documents, audio, videos, and emails on the left pane.
Step 3. Select the file(s) and recover
Click the data to preview, and click the "Recover" button to have them back.
Then, you can read on and Fix the "Mac won't boot after update" issue after you have successfully got data from the drive.
NVRAM refers to special memory sections on your Mac that store data that persists even when the Mac is shut off, such as volume settings and screen resolution. Resetting that data isn't harmful! In some cases, after performing this step, your Mac will restart normally.
You may see a progress bar on startup. If the progress bar fills up and then the Mac starts up, you're probably good to go. If not, reset SMC.
In some situations, you may need to reset your Mac's SMC (System Management Controller).
If you've got a Mac desktop, unplug it for 15 seconds and then plug it in and after five seconds press the power button.
Safe Mode is a stripped-down version of the Mac operating system that can be useful if you are trying to troubleshoot issues with your Mac.
Wait patiently till Mac computer finish the reboot process.
If your Mac is booting but the operating system isn't loading up, you may have a corrupted drive. Luckily it is possible to fix this in Recovery Mode. In Recovery Mode you can restore from a Time Machine backup, use Disk Utility to verify and repair connected drives, check your internet connection, get help online using Safari, and install or reinstall macOS.
The last method to fix macOS Big Sur, Catalina or Sierra fails to boot after update error is to reinstall macOS.
If your Mac does not respond after trying these tips, contact Apple Support or a certified Apple Repair Center. It’s likely there is a problem with your logic board or other internal hardware.
Related Articles
[PS4 USB Format] How to Format USB for PS4
[Detailed Guides] How to Backup WeChat in 5 Ways
How to Fix WindowServer High CPU on Mac [macOS Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur]
How to Lock Mac Screen [7 Fast Ways to Lock Mac]