There could be several reasons why your MacBook isn't turning on, but don't worry, as there are solutions to get it up and running again. Here are some checks and steps to help your MacBook power on so you can resume using it. The troubleshooting methods outlined on this page are primarily tailored to the latest macOS version, which is macOS 13, also referred to as Ventura. However, bear in mind that if you're using a different macOS version, the menus and interfaces might appear slightly different, but their core functions remain the same.

macOS Ventura Update

Possible Reasons for MacBook Not Booting Up After an Update There could be several reasons why your MacBook fails to turn on following an update. Here are some common issues that might be causing the problem: 1. **Software Glitch**: Sometimes, a software update might contain bugs or errors that can prevent your MacBook from starting up properly. 2. **Power Issues**: Ensure your MacBook has sufficient battery charge or is properly connected to a power source. A drained battery could be the reason it's not turning on. 3. **Bootup Issues**: The operating system might be having trouble booting due to a corrupted system file or an issue with the startup disk. 4. **Hardware Failure**: A malfunctioning component, such as the logic board, RAM, or storage device, could prevent your MacBook from powering on. 5. **Kernel Panic**: This occurs when the macOS encounters a critical error and cannot continue functioning, causing the screen to remain black. 6. **Sleep Mode Issues**: Your MacBook might be stuck in a deep sleep mode, making it appear as if it's not turning on. 7. **Incompatible Software**: The updated software might be incompatible with your MacBook's hardware, leading to startup problems. 8. **Update Installation Errors**: If the update didn't install correctly or was interrupted, it could lead to your MacBook being unresponsive. 9. **Overheating**: Continuous overheating can cause your MacBook to shut down to prevent damage, and it may not turn back on until it cools down. 10. **Third-Party Applications**: Certain third-party apps or kext (kernel extension) files might conflict with the new update, preventing your MacBook from starting. To troubleshoot these issues, you can try basic solutions like force restarting, performing a safe boot, or resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and the NVRAM or PRAM. If none of these work, it might be necessary to seek professional assistance or contact Apple Support.

After downloading macOS Ventura on your MacBook here, you might be eager to launch this 13th-generation Mac operating system right away. However, discovering that your MacBook won't turn on after the update can be frustrating. Therefore, identifying the issue is the first and most crucial step.

Power connection refers to the process of establishing a connection to a power source, such as plugging an electronic device into a wall outlet or connecting a device to a power adapter. It ensures that the device receives the necessary electrical power to function properly.

Occasionally, a power shortage or interruption might prevent your MacBook from booting up after an update. Check if you can hear any drive noise, fan activity, or the startup chime when you turn on your Mac. If there's no sound, it indicates that your Mac is experiencing power connection issues.

Update interruption translates to "Update interruption" in English.

The update to macOS Ventura consists of multiple stages and can take a considerable amount of time. During this process, your Mac will restart repeatedly. If your MacBook failed to complete the update process or encountered errors while updating, it might not be able to turn on following the installation of macOS Ventura.

Software incompatibilities and bugs refer to issues that arise when different software programs or applications are unable to work together seamlessly, or when there are errors and malfunctions within the software itself. These problems can lead to system crashes, data loss, performance issues, or prevent certain features from functioning properly. Addressing these incompatibilities and bugs often requires updates, patches, or compatibility modes to ensure smooth operation and user experience.

As your macOS upgrades to the latest iteration, macOS Ventura, certain legacy software on your MacBook might become incompatible with the updated operating system. In some instances, these updates only apply patches to fix known issues. At other times, they might entirely replace drivers to better utilize the hardware resources. Consequently, this replacement process can occasionally lead to your MacBook being unable to turn on after the update.

Software Update

[In Advance] Recover Deleted Files After MacBook Update to Ventura

Regardless of what is causing your MacBook to fail to turn on after an update, it is crucial to prioritize your data security before attempting any solutions to fix your device! This is because when your MacBook encounters errors and fails to start normally, there is a risk of data loss or damage. Accidentally deleting files and data can occur if you forcefully restart the system. It's advisable to consider recovering deleted Mac files when attempting to turn on your MacBook.

Here, we recommend using Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to help you retrieve lost data after an update. Whether you need to recover files from an external or internal hard drive on a Mac, this tool is designed to restore various types of data lost due to system updates, factory resets, accidental deletion, formatting, virus infections, and more. It can create a bootable drive and utilize it to perform Mac external hard drive recovery and Mac Trash recovery on macOS Ventura that fails to turn on following an update. The Pro version of the software enables these capabilities.

Here are the steps to recover your deleted files using the tool Data Recovery Wizard for Mac in Recovery Mode without creating a bootable USB: 1. **Shut Down Your Mac**: First, turn off your Mac completely. 2. **Start Up in Recovery Mode**: Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen. On newer Macs with the Apple T2 Security Chip, you'll need to press and hold the Touch ID button (on the keyboard) and the Power button together until you see the Apple logo. For older Macs, press and hold Command + R keys while starting your Mac. 3. **Connect to Wi-Fi (if necessary)**: If prompted, connect to a Wi-Fi network as you won't be able to download any software without an internet connection. 4. **Open Disk Utility**: Once in Recovery Mode, click on the "Utilities" menu at the top and select "Disk Utility." 5. **Select the Mac Drive**: In the left pane of Disk Utility, locate the drive that represents your Mac's internal storage. It might be labeled as "Macintosh HD" or something similar. 6. **First Aid**: Click on the "First Aid" tab and then click "Run" to check the drive for any issues. This step is optional but can help ensure the drive is functioning correctly. 7. **Exit Disk Utility**: After the process finishes, click on the Disk Utility menu and choose "Quit Disk Utility." 8. **Install Data Recovery Wizard**: Now, download and install the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac from its official website directly in the Recovery Mode browser. 9. **Launch the Software**: Double-click on the downloaded application to start the Data Recovery Wizard. 10. **Scan the Drive**: Select the drive you want to recover data from and initiate a scan. The software will search for deleted files and lost partitions. 11. **Preview and Recover Files**: Once the scan is complete, browse through the found files, preview them if possible, and select the ones you want to recover. Click on the "Recover" button to save them to a safe location on your Mac or an external drive. 12. **Exit Recovery Mode**: After the recovery process, restart your Mac by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting "Restart." Your Mac will boot normally. Remember that data recovery success rates vary depending on how the files were deleted and the condition of the drive. It's always best to have regular backups to avoid the need for data recovery.

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 open, which may take several minutes.

Launch Tools Software in Recovery Mode

Note: If the Terminal shows "No such file or directory" or "Could not resolve host," double-check that you've typed the command correctly, make sure your Mac has a stable internet connection, and confirm that your macOS version is not below macOS 10.15.

Step 2. Select the Volume on Your Mac Hard Drive

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

Select the Volume on Your Mac Hard Drive

Step 3. Select the Lost Data You Want

The tool's software categorizes the scanned recoverable data by file type and storage path. To find the data you want, click on "Type" or "Path" in the left panel. Afterwards, check the boxes in front of the data you wish to recover.

Select the Lost Data You Want

Step 4. Recover and Save Data on an External Disk This step involves retrieving and saving your data onto an external hard drive. 1. **Connect the External Disk**: First, connect 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 that you have installed on your computer. Examples of such software include tools Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Disk Drill. 3. **Select External Drive**: In the software, you will see a list of available drives. Identify and select the external disk where you want to save the recovered data. 4. **Scan for Lost Data**: Initiate a scan on the selected external drive. The software will search for any lost, deleted, or damaged files. 5. **Preview and Select Files**: Once the scan is complete, you can preview the recoverable files. Choose the files you wish to save by ticking the boxes next to them. 6. **Recover and Save**: Click on the 'Recover' or 'Save' button to start the recovery process. The software will then copy the selected files to your external hard drive. 7. **Wait for Completion**: This process may take some time depending on the size of the files. Do not disconnect the external drive during this process to avoid data loss. 8. **Verify Data**: After the recovery is finished, check the external disk to ensure that the files have been successfully saved and are in a readable format. Remember, it's always a good practice to regularly back up your important data to prevent future loss.

Click the "Recover" button, and a pop-up window will prompt you to "Select a target location to save." Choose the external disk as the new storage destination for your recovered data.

Recover and Save Data on an External Disk

5 Reliable Solutions to Fix MacBook Not Turning On After Update

"MacBook Won't turn on" is a common issue that can arise when upgrading to macOS Ventura or other versions like macOS Monterey. Users often encounter this problem and try to resolve it with intricate methods. Let's proceed to explore five simple yet effective solutions.

1. Check the power connection

Ensure that your MacBook's battery is not completely drained, and if it does require charging, allow it to charge for a while before concluding that it's not functioning. If it still doesn't work, please attempt the following suggestions:

  • Ensure that the adapter, cable, and any other peripherals are functioning properly.
  • Press the power button once more to restart your Mac.

2. Reset the SMC/PRAM/NVRAM

The System Management Controller (SMC) manages low-level functions like temperature and battery. Hence, resetting the SMC could be effective if your Mac won't restart after an update.

    1. Step 1. Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button simultaneously.
    2. Step 2. Release all the keys after about ten seconds.
    3. Step 3. Turn on your MacBook.

MacBook SMC keys

PRAM/NVRAM. Your Mac has two small memory caches known as PRAM and NVRAM. These are used to store settings such as system volume and the startup disk preference. To reset PRAM/NVRAM and potentially resolve the issue, press and hold the keys "Command + Option + P + R" while starting up your MacBook.

MacBook NVRAM keys

3. Repair with Recovery Mode

On a MacBook running a version of macOS higher than Mountain Lion (which is the majority of MacBooks), you can enter Recovery Mode by holding down the Command and R keys. Once you see the Apple logo, your MacBook will start up in Recovery Mode.

4. Resolve the issue using safe mode

If your Mac fails to turn on after updating to the latest operating system or constantly crashes, Safe Mode on a Mac is an effective solution. When booting up, it limits several applications to guarantee a smooth startup process.

    1. Step 1. First, turn off the Mac, and then turn it back on. Immediately press and hold the Shift key for a few seconds.
    2. Step 2. Keep holding down the Shift key until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Safe Mode can check whether your Mac has the latest software update, and it will shut down your computer to exit Safe Mode.

5. Reinstall macOS

If you frequently encounter the issue of the MacBook not turning on, you might want to consider reinstalling macOS in Recovery Mode. If you've tried all the other solutions mentioned above and none have worked, reinstalling the operating system can potentially resolve the problem that's preventing your MacBook from powering on effectively.

    1. Step 1. As before, boot your MacBook into Recovery Mode. 2. Step 2. When in Recovery Mode, choose the latest macOS 13 to install, and then proceed with the on-screen instructions.

Reinstall macOS

How to Prevent a MacBook from Not Booting Up After an Update

It's much more likely that the new macOS will successfully boot on your MacBook if you properly prepare your computer before upgrading to Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, or any other version. To prevent startup issues, consider the following recommendations for your MacBook:

    1. Remove unnecessary extensions that might alter your settings. 2. Disable automatic app updates for unwanted programs, especially antivirus software. 3. Frequently clean your Mac, with emphasis on emptying the Trash bin. 4. Scan and repair your hard drive if your Mac is performing slowly or experiencing issues.

Final Thoughts

If your Mac doesn't turn on after updating to macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, or any other version, you can try restarting it. If the issue persists, refer to the solutions mentioned above. Before proceeding with any fixes, keep in mind that you can still recover your files using robust data recovery software. Never neglect the security of your data;记得及时修复你的硬盘以防止任何问题。

MacBook Won't Boot After macOS Ventura FAQs

Here are a few more inquiries regarding a MacBook not powering on after an update: 1. "My MacBook won't turn on after I installed the latest software update. What could be the issue?" 2. "I updated my MacBook to the newest version, and now it's unresponsive. Any suggestions for troubleshooting?" 3. "Post-update, my MacBook Pro doesn't start up. Is this a common problem, and how do I fix it?" 4. "After updating to Big Sur, my MacBook Air won't boot. Are there any known solutions?" 5. "I performed a system update on my MacBook, and now it's completely dead. How can I revive it?"

1. How do I boot into macOS Recovery?

Press and hold the following keys during Mac startup: Option - Command - R or Shift - Option - Command - R. Once you see the Apple logo, your Mac will start up in Recovery Mode.

2. Why won't my MacBook Pro turn on after updating to Ventura?

Due to update failures, software incompatibilities, and bugs, a MacBook Pro might fail to turn on following an upgrade to macOS Ventura. Further alterations to the file system, operating system, user interface, and other components can also contribute to startup issues.

3. How to fix a MacBook Air that won't turn on but charges after an update?

Overheating can indeed be a reason why your MacBook Air fails to turn on. Here are some tips to help you address this issue: 1. **Allow the Device to Cool Down**: If your MacBook Air has been in use for an extended period or was left running on a soft surface, it might have overheated. Disconnect all peripherals and power sources, and let it rest on a flat, hard surface for at least an hour to cool down. 2. **Safe Boot**: Once cooled, try restarting your MacBook Air in Safe Boot mode. This will perform a thorough check of your system while loading only the essential components. Press and hold the Shift key while turning on your MacBook until you see the Apple logo. 3. **Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)**: The SMC controls various hardware functions, including power management. To reset it, follow these steps: - For models with a removable battery: Shut down the MacBook, unplug the power adapter, press and hold the Left Shift + Control + Option keys along with the Power button for 10 seconds, then release all keys and power on. - For models without a removable battery: Shut down the MacBook, plug in the power adapter, press and hold the Control + Option + Shift keys along with the Power button for 10 seconds, then release all keys and power on. 4. **Reset the PRAM/NVRAM**: This stores configuration settings for your MacBook. To reset it, shut down your MacBook, restart it, and immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup sound twice. 5. **Check for Hardware Issues**: If overheating persists, there might be hardware issues like a faulty fan or a clogged cooling system. You may need professional assistance to diagnose and repair these components. 6. **Update Software**: Ensure that your MacBook Air has the latest software updates, as outdated software can sometimes cause overheating issues. 7. **Use on a Proper Surface**: Always use your MacBook Air on a hard, flat surface to ensure proper ventilation. Avoid using it on soft materials like beds or blankets that can block airflow. Remember, if none of these solutions work, it's best to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further assistance.

  • Perform a power cycle on your MacBook Air and conduct a hardware inspection.
  • Reset the SMC (System Management Controller).

If none of the above suggestions work, you can reach out to Apple Support, visit an Apple Store, or the nearest Apple Service Center for assistance.

4. MacBook Pro won't turn on with a black screen. How do I fix it?

A black screen suggests that your MacBook is shutting down automatically to prevent further damage to the macOS. Here are some helpful tips.

  • Before restarting your MacBook Pro, make sure to disconnect accessories such as the mouse, keyboard, and any other peripherals.
  • Next, perform a hard reset on your MacBook Pro to see if the black screen issue persists.
  • Boot your MacBook Pro in safe mode or recovery mode. Instructions for entering these modes can be found in the solutions listed above.
  • If none of those suggestions help, attempt to reinstall macOS on your MacBook Pro.