How to Find Startup Disk in macOS 13 System Settings

With the release of macOS 13 Ventura, Apple replaced the long-standing System Preferences app with a redesigned System Settings app. This interface overhaul moved many familiar controls, including the option to select a boot drive. This guide explains exactly where to find the Startup Disk settings in macOS 13 and how to change your default boot volume.

To locate the Startup Disk preference pane, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings from the drop-down menu.
  3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on General.
  4. On the right side of the window, locate and click Startup Disk.

How to Change Your Startup Disk

Once you have opened the Startup Disk pane:

  1. Click the disk or volume you want to use as your startup system.
  2. If the disks are grayed out or a lock icon appears, you may need to enter your Mac’s administrator password or authenticate using Touch ID.
  3. Click the Restart... button to apply the change immediately and boot into the selected operating system.

If you do not want to reboot immediately, simply close the System Settings window; your Mac will use the chosen disk the next time it restarts.