How to Use Startup Manager in Mac OS High Sierra

When you're using a Mac, sometimes it's necessary to boot up your computer from a different operating system or volume. This can be especially useful if you're having issues with your current OS and need to troubleshoot or reinstall it. In this article, we'll explore how to use Startup Manager in Mac OS High Sierra to temporarily change your startup disk.

Adding External Volumes

One of the most common ways to add a new volume to your list of startup volumes is by attaching an external hard drive that contains an operating system. You can do this using FireWire or USB connections. Simply plug in the external drive, and it should be detected by your Mac. If you're unsure whether the drive has been detected, you can check the Startup Manager window.

Using Installation Discs

If you have an optical drive connected to your computer, you can use installation discs to add new volumes to your list of startup options. Simply insert the disc into the drive, and it should be recognized by your Mac. From there, you can select the volume and start up from it using Startup Manager.

Using Startup Manager

To access Startup Manager, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer.

2. Immediately press and hold the Option key (also known as the Alt key).

3. Continue holding the Option key until you see the Startup Manager window appear on your screen.

From here, you can use your mouse or trackpad to select the volume you want to start up from. You can also use the left and right arrow keys to navigate through the list of available volumes.

Selecting a Startup Disk

To temporarily change your startup disk using Startup Manager, follow these steps:

1. Select the volume you want to start up from by clicking on it with your mouse or trackpad.

2. Release the Option key when you've selected the desired volume.

3. Your Mac will restart and boot up from the selected volume.

Setting a Default Startup Disk

If you find that you frequently need to use a different startup disk, you can set a default startup disk using System Preferences. To do this:

1. Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting 'System Preferences.'

2. Click on the 'Startup Disk' icon.

3. Select the volume you want to use as your default startup disk from the list of available volumes.

In conclusion, Startup Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to temporarily change your startup disk in Mac OS High Sierra. Whether you need to troubleshoot an issue with your current OS or simply want to try out a different operating system, Startup Manager makes it easy to switch between different volumes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to use Startup Manager effectively and get the most out of your Mac.

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