6 Ways to Resolve Mac Not Restarting After Update (Including Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur)

Are you encountering the issue where your Mac won't restart after an update? Follow our concise guide for an explanation and solution to this problem.

Translate into English

Mac Won't Restart or Shut Down After Update

Mac users relish various advantages over other devices. Shutting down a Mac is typically a swift process that can be done in just a few seconds. However, there may be instances where your Mac takes longer than usual to shut down, causing inconvenience. The issue of a Mac not restarting can stem from multiple reasons. Let's delve into this problem, beginning with data-restoration methods and then proceeding to quick solutions for restarting your Mac after updating to Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur.

How to Restart Your Mac Without Losing Any Data

Therefore, any user may encounter the issue of "Mac won't restart after updating" their device. The first concern that arises for users is the vital data stored on their system. Taking a simple step to safeguard this data before addressing the restart problem can prevent further complications. Let's begin with the top two methods to restart your Mac without losing data: 1. **Safe Boot**: This method allows you to start up your Mac in a safe mode, which only loads the necessary system files, helping to resolve any software conflicts. To perform a Safe Boot: - Shut down your Mac. - Press the power button to turn it on again. - Immediately press and hold the Shift key. - Keep holding the Shift key until you see the Apple logo and progress bar. - Release the Shift key, and let your Mac boot up in Safe Mode. - Once booted, try restarting your Mac normally. 2. **Forcing a Restart**: If the Safe Boot doesn't work, you can force a restart without data loss: - Press and hold the Power button (or Touch ID button on newer models) and the Command + Control keys simultaneously. - Keep holding the buttons until your Mac turns off and then back on again. - Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo. - Your Mac should now restart normally. These methods should help resolve the issue without compromising your data. If the problem persists, there might be more complex underlying issues that require further troubleshooting or professional assistance.

First, Exit All Ongoing Programs

The main concern behind "Mac won't restart" usually stems from issues with ongoing processes in the system. To address this, let's first explore how to terminate various running programs on your Mac device. The detailed steps are as follows:

 Step 1. Click on the active app's name in the menu bar, and press Quit.

 Step 2. The alternative solution is to use Mission Control Plus to close different apps. Ensure that it's active upon login, and then press "Option + ⌘ + W" to close all active apps simultaneously.

Second: Recover Mac Data and Save it to Another Location

If you find yourself in the situation where your Mac won't restart after the update, you might need to recover the system data and save it elsewhere. Before starting the process, ensure that you back up all your data on your Mac, and then reset the device to its factory settings to prevent data loss. This way, you won't have any regrets later. You can utilize the helpful application Data Recovery Wizard for Mac Pro to back up your Mac. To download the free software, simply click the green button below:

Could you please provide the text that needs to be translated into English?

Backup Your Mac and Ensure Data Safety

Effortlessly back up and restore your MacBook/iMac without relying on Time Machine, iCloud, or external hard drives.

When seeking a swift solution for data recovery, the Data Recovery Wizard Mac Pro stands as an excellent choice. This Mac data recovery software offers the ideal solution to retrieve data from hard drives that have been lost due to accidental deletion, emptied trash bins, malware infections, or other system-related issues. Some notable features include:

1. It can promptly restore various files such as documents, photos, videos, music, and other types of files.
2. It provides diverse features including scan modes, file filters, file preview, bootable media, data protection, cloud recovery, remote IT support, etc.
3. The recently launched version 13.7 offers optimized utilization of these features.
4. It operates swiftly and effortlessly in just three steps - locate, scan, and recover.

Step 1. Launch the Tools Software in Recovery Mode

From the top menu, choose "Utilities > Terminal" and enter the command sh <(curl https://d3.tools.com/mac/boot.sh). Press "Return." Wait for the application to launch, which may take a few minutes.

Important: If the Terminal shows "No such file or directory" or "Could not resolve host," please check that you've typed the command correctly, ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection, and verify that your macOS version is not below macOS 10.15.

Step 2. Select the Volume on Your Mac Hard Drive Choose the volume on your Mac's hard drive that you wish to work with. This is typically the main "Macintosh HD" or any other partition that you have created. To select it, simply click on the desired volume in the left pane of the Disk Utility window.

Choose the volume where your lost data is stored and click "Search for lost files". The tool software will promptly locate all recoverable data on the selected volume.

Step 3. Select the Lost Data You Want

The tools software categorizes the scanned recoverable data by file type and storage path. To locate the desired data, click on "Type" or "Path" in the left panel. Next, check the boxes in front of the data you wish to recover.

Step 4. Recover and Save Data on an External Disk This step involves retrieving and saving your data onto an external hard drive after the recovery process. 1. **Connect the External Disk**: Plug in your external hard drive to your computer using a USB cable or any appropriate connection method. 2. **Open Data Recovery Software**: Launch the data recovery software you installed in Step 1. 3. **Select External Drive**: In the software, choose the external hard drive as the destination for your recovered files instead of the damaged internal drive. 4. **Scan for Lost Files**: Initiate a scan to search for the lost or deleted files you want to recover. Depending on the software, you may have options for quick scans or deep scans. 5. **Preview and Select Files**: Once the scan is complete, preview the found files, and select the ones you wish to save. 6. **Recover and Save**: Click on the 'Recover' or 'Save' button to start transferring the selected files to your external hard drive. Make sure not to save them back to the damaged internal drive to avoid overwriting any remaining data. 7. **Wait for Completion**: The recovery process may take some time, depending on the amount of data being transferred. Be patient and do not interrupt the process. 8. **Verify Data**: After the transfer is finished, check the external hard drive to ensure that the recovered files are accessible and intact. By following these steps, you will successfully recover and secure your valuable data on an external disk, away from the potentially problematic internal drive.

Click the “Recover” button, and a pop-up window will prompt you to “Select a target location to save.” Choose the external drive as the new storage location for your retrieved data.

Thus, Mac users can swiftly employ the Data Recovery Wizard tool to prevent data loss scenarios. When encountering restart problems, you can promptly utilize the data recovery software to alleviate concerns over data loss. But what is prompting your Mac to experience restart issues?

Common Reasons for Mac Not Booting into Safe Mode

Mac restarting issues can be an indication of significant hardware or software problems. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the primary reasons behind this issue, which include: 1. **Software Glitches**: Malfunctions or bugs in operating system updates, applications, or system files can cause unexpected restarts. 2. **Resource Overload**: Running too many apps or processes simultaneously can strain your Mac's resources, leading to frequent restarts. 3. **Kernel Panic**: A kernel panic is a critical error that occurs when the macOS encounters an issue it can't recover from, forcing a restart. 4. **Hardware Failure**: Faulty RAM, a damaged hard drive, or an issue with the logic board can trigger restarts. 5. **Overheating**: If your Mac is overheating due to poor ventilation or a malfunctioning cooling system, it may shut down to prevent damage. 6. **Virus or Malware**: Infections can cause instability, including unexpected restarts. 7. **Power Supply Issues**: Problems with the power adapter or battery can lead to sudden shutdowns and restarts. 8. **Bootup Issues**: Incorrect startup settings or corruption in the boot volume can force your Mac to restart continuously. 9. **Incompatible Software**: Installing incompatible or outdated software can disrupt the system's stability. 10. **System Preferences Corruption**: Corrupted preference files can cause instability and unexpected restarts. Before attempting any fixes, ensure you have a recent backup of your data, just in case. Then, you can proceed with troubleshooting steps like safe mode booting, checking for updates, running hardware diagnostics, or seeking professional assistance if needed.

• Malware or virus present in the system
• Broken power button
• Failing hardware, such as RAM or hard drives
• Poorly designed or corrupted plugins or add-ons
• The Mac is awaiting the completion of an application

6 Ways to Resolve Mac Not Restarting After an Update

Thus, users can easily prevent data loss by quitting running programs and recovering Mac data before restarting. After using tools like Data Recovery Wizard to go through the Mac data recovery process, your Mac is prepared for fixing issues where it won't restart after updating to Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur. So, let's focus on the main methods to restart your Mac after the update. We'll begin with simple and quick solutions to address the problem of your Mac not restarting.

Solution 1: Force Restart Your Mac to Fix Mac Not Restarting

Restarting your Mac might be the first solution that comes to mind, but with a frozen screen, a regular restart can be difficult. Therefore, users need to perform a force restart to address the issue of the Mac not restarting. Here are the quick steps to do so:

Step 1. Restart your Mac by pressing and holding "Control + Command + Power Button" if it has a power button. For Mac devices without a power button, press and hold the "Eject/Touch ID button + Control + Command."

Step 2. Wait for 30 seconds, then press the power button to force a restart.

Step 3. Wait until the screen turns black and the device starts up.

Solution 2: Reset NVRAM or PRAM to Get Mac Started Again

Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) is a specialized memory segment on a Mac that retains settings for fast access. Older Mac models utilize Parameter RAM or PRAM. Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM can resolve issues where your Mac won't restart after an update. Here are the quick steps to do so:

Step 1. Press and hold the power button along with the "Option (Alt) + Command + P + R" keys for at least 20 seconds.

Step 2. Release the keys when you hear the startup sound for the second time. If your Mac has a T2 chip, let go of the keys after the Apple logo disappears for the second time.

Solution 3: Boot Your Mac in Safe Mode to Fix Mac Won't Restart

Safe Mode is an ideal option on a Mac that scans the startup disk for various viruses and then attempts to fix any potential issues with the operating system. It can also help resolve the issue of a Mac not restarting after updating to Monterey. Here are the quick steps to boot your Mac device in Safe Mode: 1. **Shut down your Mac**: First, make sure your Mac is completely turned off. 2. **Boot into Safe Mode**: Press the power button to turn on your Mac, and immediately hold down the left Shift key. Keep holding it until you see the Apple logo and the progress bar appear on the screen. 3. **Wait for the scan**: The system will now perform a thorough scan while starting up, which may take a few minutes. 4. **Login**: Once the scan is complete, enter your login credentials if prompted. 5. **Check for issues**: Once in Safe Mode, try to identify any problems or recently installed apps that might be causing the issue. You can also run Disk Utility to check for disk errors. 6. **Restart normally**: After troubleshooting, restart your Mac without holding any keys to exit Safe Mode. If your Mac restarts successfully, the issue might be resolved. If your Mac still doesn't restart after updating to Monterey even in Safe Mode, further investigation or professional assistance may be required.

Step 1. Turn off the Mac and force shut down if necessary.

Step 2. Click the power button and hold down "Shift" until you see the login window with "Safe Boot" appears.

Step 3. Press the Apple logo and restart the Mac device.

Solution 4: Enter Recovery Mode and Run Disk Utility

Mac devices have a specific Recovery Partition on their hard drives. This partition provides easy access to various tools designed for computer repair. It boots independently from the full macOS, and the process to access it is straightforward: 1. Restart your Mac. 2. As soon as you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Command + R keys together. 3. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe, indicating that your Mac is booting into Recovery Mode. 4. Once booted, you'll have access to tools like Disk Utility for managing and repairing disks, Utilities for reinstalling macOS, and more. 5. Use the menu bar at the top of the screen to navigate through the available options and perform the necessary repairs or installations. 6. When finished, simply restart your Mac without holding any keys to return to the regular macOS. Remember, if you encounter any issues or need further assistance, Apple's support resources can provide guidance.

1. Press the power button. 2. Press and hold the "Command" and "R" keys. 3. A new "macOS Utilities" menu will appear once the boot process is complete.

Next, select the drive in "Disk Utility" and click on "First Aid" to initiate the repair process.

Solution 5: Reset System Management Controller (SMC) to Resolve Mac Not Restarting

Another effective solution to address the issue of "MacBook Air won't restart" is to attempt resetting the SMC (System Management Controller). This method not only resolves restart problems but also tackles USB issues, backlight problems, fan speed concerns, and more. Here are the quick steps to reset the SMC: 1. **Shut Down your MacBook Air**: First, ensure that your MacBook Air is completely turned off. 2. **Connect the Power Adapter**: Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to your MacBook Air. 3. **For Laptops with Removable Battery**: If your MacBook Air has a removable battery, locate it and remove it. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. Now, put the battery back in and restart your MacBook Air. 4. **For Laptops without Removable Battery (2016 and later models)**: - If it's a model with a Touch ID and a function row, press and hold together the left Shift key, Control key, and the Power button for 10 seconds. - For models without Touch ID, but with a function row, press and hold the left Shift key, Control key, and the Option key along with the Power button for 10 seconds. - For models without a function row, press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. 5. **Release the Keys**: After holding the keys for the specified time, release them all simultaneously. 6. **Power On your MacBook Air**: Press the Power button again to turn on your MacBook Air. Once you've completed these steps, your SMC should be reset, and your MacBook Air should be able to restart normally. If the issue persists, further troubleshooting may be required.

Step 1. Click the "Apple" icon in the menu bar's top-left corner.

Step 2. Press "Shut Down."

Step 3. Press and hold "Shift + Control + Option + Power Button".

Step 4. Release the button after fifteen seconds, and then restart your Mac.

Fix 6: Run Apple Diagnostics to Resolve Issues on Your Mac

Lastly, perform Apple Diagnostics on your Mac device. This tool swiftly checks for various hardware issues and provides quick solutions for the "Mac won't restart" problem. It might generate a reference code for you to consult the Apple Diagnostics webpage or explore Mac support options. For users with Macs released before June 2013, you can use Apple Hardware Test instead of Apple Diagnostics.

Now, let's go through the detailed steps to run the Apple Diagnostics tool:

1. Begin by unplugging external devices such as printers, while keeping the monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc., connected.
2. Press the power button.
3. Hold down the "D" key until the Mac prompts you to choose a language.
4. Select the language, and the Apple Diagnostics will commence running on your device, which may take a few minutes.

Conclusion

Beginners and professionals alike need not worry when encountering the "Mac won't restart after an update" error. It's straightforward to comprehend this issue and restart your Mac without data loss. You can close all running programs and even use Mac data recovery software to recover deleted files from Mac.

When it comes to addressing the "Mac won't restart" error, some of the top solutions include force restarting the device, resetting the NVRAM or PRAM, or booting the Mac in Safe Mode. Additionally, users can enter Recovery Mode, run Disk Utility, perform an SMC reset, or run Apple Diagnostics. Don't worry anymore when you can follow our comprehensive guide for resolving Mac restart issues after an update.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mac Won't Start in Safe Mode

It's effortless for Mac users to address the Mac won't restart issue by following our guide. Nevertheless, users often seek solutions to common queries related to the Mac not starting in Safe Mode. Let's quickly glance at the top and frequently asked questions.

1. How to downgrade from macOS Ventura to Monterey? To downgrade from macOS Ventura to Monterey, follow these steps: 1. **Backup Your Data**: Before proceeding, make sure to create a backup of your important files using Time Machine or another reliable backup method. 2. **Download Monterey Installer**: Visit the Apple Developer website or the Mac App Store to download the macOS Monterey installer. If it's not available in the App Store, you may need to use the "Software Update" feature to download the previous version. 3. **Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)**: Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode by restarting and holding down the Command + R keys. In the Utilities menu, select Terminal. Type `csrutil disable` and press Enter. Confirm the action when prompted. Remember to re-enable SIP after downgrading. 4. **Erase macOS Ventura**: In Recovery Mode, go to Disk Utility, select your startup disk, and click on "Erase." Format the drive with the APFS file system and give it a name (usually "Macintosh HD"). 5. **Install Monterey**: From the Utilities menu, choose "Reinstall macOS" or "Reinstall macOS Monterey." Follow the on-screen instructions to start the installation process. 6. **Restore Backup**: After the installation is complete, boot into Monterey and restore your data from the backup you created earlier. 7. **Re-enable System Integrity Protection**: To re-enable SIP, restart your Mac into Recovery Mode again, open Terminal, type `csrutil enable`, and press Enter. Once these steps are completed, your Mac should be running macOS Monterey. Remember that downgrading can sometimes cause issues, so ensure you have a solid backup and seek professional help if needed.

Users can swiftly revert from macOS Ventura to Monterey using a bootable installer. To accomplish this, you simply need to create a macOS bootable installer and then downgrade an Intel-based Mac. Consequently, Macs equipped with Apple Silicon can also be promptly downgraded.

2. How to resolve macOS 13 Ventura upgrade failure?

It's straightforward to try the quick solutions if the macOS 13 Ventura update fails. They include:

1. Resetting NVRAM
2. Booting Mac into Safe Mode
3. Restarting Mac
4. Verifying if your Mac is compatible with the macOS 13 Ventura update
5. Checking if your Mac has sufficient storage space
6. Attempting to redownload and reinstall the macOS 13 Ventura update.

3. How do I restart my Mac in Safe Mode? To restart your Mac in Safe Mode, follow these steps: 1. **Shut down your Mac**: Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select "Shut Down." 2. **Start up your Mac while holding the Shift key**: Press and hold the Shift key immediately after hearing the startup sound. Keep the Shift key pressed until you see the login window. 3. **Login to your account**: Enter your username and password as usual. 4. **Safe Mode is now active**: Your Mac will start up with limited functionality, and any non-system files that could potentially cause issues will be disabled. 5. **Perform necessary tasks**: If you need to troubleshoot or remove problematic software, do so while in Safe Mode. 6. **Exit Safe Mode**: When you're done, simply restart your Mac as normal by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "Restart." Your Mac will start up normally the next time. Note: Safe Mode is only available on macOS versions up to Catalina. In macOS Big Sur and later, it's called "Startup Options." To access Startup Options, press and hold the Power button until the options appear, then select "Options" and log in. From there, you can choose to start up in Safe Mode.

Here's how you can easily restart your Mac in Safe Mode: 1. **Shut Down Your Mac**: First, make sure your Mac is completely turned off. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select "Shut Down" from the dropdown menu. 2. **Press and Hold Shift Key**: After your Mac has shut down, press and hold the left Shift key on your keyboard. 3. **Power On Your Mac**: While keeping the Shift key pressed, press the power button or the button on your Mac's keyboard to turn it back on. 4. **Release the Shift Key**: You'll see the Apple logo appear, followed by the progress bar loading. Keep holding the Shift key until you see the login window. This indicates that your Mac is starting up in Safe Mode. 5. **Login**: Enter your username and password as usual to access your account. Once you're in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot any issues, remove problematic software, or perform necessary updates. When you're done, simply restart your Mac normally by choosing "Restart" from the Apple menu.

1. Shut down your Mac
2. Immediately press and hold the "Shift" key while it's turning on, until the login window appears
3. Login to your Mac
4. The "Safe Boot" option should be displayed in the first or second login window

4. Why is my Mac stuck on the restart screen? Your Mac might be stuck on the restart screen due to several reasons, such as software issues, system files corruption, failed updates, or hardware problems. Here are some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue: 1. **Force Restart:** - Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until your Mac turns off. - Release the button and then press it again to turn your Mac back on. 2. **Safe Boot:** - Restart your Mac while holding down the Shift key. - This will perform a safe boot, which loads only the essential system files. - Once your Mac starts up, release the Shift key and see if it functions normally. - If it does, try restarting without safe boot to check if the issue persists. 3. **Reset the SMC (System Management Controller):** - For most MacBook models with a battery that's not removable: - Shut down your Mac. - Connect the MagSafe or USB-C adapter to your Mac, if possible. - Press and hold the left Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button for 10 seconds. - Release all keys and the power button simultaneously. - Press the power button again to turn on your Mac. - For other Mac models, refer to Apple's support page for specific instructions. 4. **Reset the NVRAM/PRAM:** - Shut down your Mac. - Start it up again and immediately press and hold these keys together: Command + Option + P + R. - Keep holding until you hear the startup sound for the second time. - Release the keys and let your Mac continue starting up. 5. **Reinstall macOS:** - Start up from macOS Recovery (press and hold Command + R during startup). - Choose "Reinstall macOS" and follow the on-screen instructions. - This will reinstall the operating system without affecting your personal files. 6. **If none of the above work, you might need professional assistance:** - Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to diagnose and fix potential hardware issues. Remember to always backup your important data regularly to prevent any potential data loss during troubleshooting.

If your Mac is stuck on the restart screen, you can try the following:

1. Begin by pressing and holding Mac's power button for up to ten seconds until the Mac turns off completely. 2. Turn on your Mac again, and the issue should have been resolved.

5. How do I tell if my Mac update is stuck?

Various reasons, such as outdated drivers or malware, can lead to a Mac getting stuck on the Apple logo. You can quickly tell if a Mac update is stuck if it becomes completely unresponsive or if a frozen Apple logo starts appearing on the screen.