How to Access macOS Recovery in macOS 13

macOS Recovery is a built-in recovery system on your Mac that allows you to repair internal storage, reinstall macOS Ventura, restore files from a Time Machine backup, and manage security settings. Accessing these features in macOS 13 depends on whether your Mac uses Apple Silicon (M1, M2 series) or an Intel processor. Below are the direct steps to boot into macOS Recovery for both hardware types, along with an overview of the tools available once you enter the environment.

Accessing Recovery on Apple Silicon Macs

Follow these steps if your Mac uses an M1, M2, or later Apple Silicon chip:

  1. Shut down your Mac completely by going to the Apple menu () > Shut Down. Wait for the screen to turn completely black and all lights to turn off.
  2. Press and hold the power button (Touch ID button) on your Mac.
  3. Keep holding the button until you see the screen display "Loading startup options."
  4. Click on Options (represented by a gear icon), then click Continue.
  5. If prompted, select an administrator user account, click Next, and enter the account password.

Accessing Recovery on Intel-Based Macs

Follow these steps if your Mac uses an Intel processor:

  1. Shut down your Mac completely.
  2. Press the power button to turn the computer on, then immediately press and hold one of the following key combinations:
    • Command (⌘) + R: Reinstalls the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac without upgrading to a newer version.
    • Option + Command + R: Upgrades to the latest macOS version that is compatible with your Mac.
    • Shift + Option + Command + R: Reinstalls the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
  3. Release the keys when you see an Apple logo, a spinning globe, or a firmware password prompt.
  4. If prompted, select a user with administrator privileges and enter the password.

Features Available in macOS 13 Recovery

Once the Recovery window appears, you have access to several utilities:

  • Restore from Time Machine: Restore your entire system and personal files from an external Time Machine backup drive.
  • Reinstall macOS Ventura: Download and install a clean copy of the operating system without erasing your personal files (unless you manually erase the drive first).
  • Safari: Browse the Apple Support website to find troubleshooting documentation. (Other websites are restricted, and browser extensions are disabled.)
  • Disk Utility: Check, verify, and repair connected drives, or format and erase internal storage volumes.
  • Terminal: Access the command-line interface via the Utilities menu at the top of the screen for advanced system modifications.
  • Startup Security Utility: Found under the Utilities menu, this tool allows you to configure security policies and boot permissions.