Macbook is one of the most reliable and user-friendly laptops on the market. However, even the most reliable devices can encounter issues, such as the failure to boot from a USB.
This problem can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to install a new operating system or recover your data.
In this article, we will discuss some common causes of this problem and provide solutions to help you get your Macbook up and running again.
What Causes a Macbook to Fail to Boot from a USB?
There are several reasons why your Macbook may not be able to boot from a USB drive. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. USB Drive Not Bootable
One of the most common causes of a Macbook not booting from a USB is that the USB drive is not bootable. In other words, the USB drive does not contain a bootable operating system.
To resolve this issue, you need to create a bootable USB drive. There are several ways to do this, but one of the easiest is to use the built-in Disk Utility tool on your Mac.
2. Incorrect Boot Order
Another reason why your Macbook may not be able to boot from a USB drive is that the boot order is incorrect. By default, your Macbook will try to boot from the internal hard drive first. If you have a bootable USB drive connected to your Macbook, you need to change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. You can do this by restarting your Macbook and holding down the Option key until you see the boot menu. From there, you can select the USB drive as the boot device.
3. Corrupted USB Drive
A corrupted USB drive can also cause your Macbook to fail to boot from a USB. If your USB drive is corrupted, your Macbook may not be able to read the bootable files on the drive. To fix this issue, you can try formatting the USB drive using the Disk Utility tool or using a third-party tool such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
4. Hardware Issues
In some cases, a hardware issue may be causing your Macbook to fail to boot from a USB. For example, a faulty USB port may prevent your Macbook from recognizing the USB drive. To check if there is a hardware issue, try connecting the USB drive to a different USB port or trying a different USB drive.
Read Also: Rufus for Mac: How to Download and Use It on Your Apple Computer
How to Fix a Macbook That Won’t Boot from a USB
Here are some steps you can take to fix a Macbook that won’t boot from a USB:
Step 1: Check the USB Drive
The first step in fixing a Macbook that won’t boot from a USB is to check the USB drive. Make sure the USB drive is bootable and that it contains a valid operating system. If you’re not sure, try creating a new bootable USB drive using the Disk Utility tool.
Step 2: Change the Boot Order
If the USB drive is bootable and contains a valid operating system, the next step is to change the boot order on your Macbook. Restart your Macbook and hold down the Option key until you see the boot menu. From there, select the USB drive as the boot device.
Step 3: Format the USB Drive
If the USB drive is corrupted, you can try formatting it using the Disk Utility tool. Be aware that formatting will erase all data on the USB drive.
Step 4: Try a Different USB Drive or Port
If you’ve tried the steps above and your Macbook still won’t boot from the USB drive, try using a different USB drive or port. This will help you determine if the problem is with the USB drive or your Macbook’s hardware.
Step 5: Reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM
If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and the Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM) or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM).
To reset the SMC, shut down your Macbook, unplug all cables, and hold down the power button for 10 seconds. To reset the PRAM/NVRAM, restart your Macbook and hold down the Command, Option, P, and R keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
Read Also: How to Install Windows on Mac M1
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Macbook failing to boot from a USB can be frustrating, but it’s usually not a serious problem. By following the steps above, you can easily fix the issue and get your Macbook up and running again.
Remember to check the USB drive, change the boot order, format the USB drive, try a different USB drive or port, and reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM if needed.
FAQ
Q: Why won’t my Macbook boot from a USB drive?
A: There are several reasons why your Macbook may not be able to boot from a USB drive, including a non-bootable USB drive, an incorrect boot order, a corrupted USB drive, or hardware issues.
Q: How do I create a bootable USB drive on a Mac?
A: You can create a bootable USB drive on a Mac using the built-in Disk Utility tool. Simply format the USB drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and use the Restore feature to copy the operating system files to the USB drive.
Q: How do I change the boot order on my Macbook?
A: To change the boot order on your Macbook, restart your Macbook and hold down the Option key until you see the boot menu. From there, select the USB drive as the boot device.
Q: How do I reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM on my Macbook?
A: To reset the SMC on your Macbook, shut down your Macbook, unplug all cables, and hold down the power button for 10 seconds. To reset the PRAM/NVRAM, restart your Macbook and hold down the Command, Option, P, and R keys until you hear the startup sound twice.