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How to Repair Your Mac Startup Disk With Disk Utility: 3 Simple Steps

Repair your Mac’s startup disk easily with Disk Utility.

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Last updated: October 14, 2024

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TL;DR

To repair your Mac startup disk:

  1. Boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.
  2. Select your startup disk.
  3. Run First Aid using Disk Utility on each disk, container, and volume.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

Ignoring disk issues can lead to bigger problems. I learned this the hard way, but I figured out how to fix my Mac, and I’m here to help you do the same. In this guide, I’ll show you how to back up your data, use Disk Utility, and easily fix common errors.

How to Repair Your Mac Startup Disk With Disk Utility

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Here is the detailed step-by-step guide to repairing your Mac Startup Disk with Disk Utility:

Depending on your Mac startup disk health, set aside enough time for this task – around five minutes for healthy disks and up to two hours for damaged or corrupted ones.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data Before Repairing Your Disk

Before repairing your disk, back up your files to avoid data loss. Here are some ways to back up your data on Mac:

  1. Time Machine: Built-in macOS tool for easy backups and file restoration.
  2. iCloud: Apple’s cloud storage for secure file backups.
  3. External Hard Drive: Manually copy files by dragging them to a connected drive.

Step 2: Boot Your Mac Into Recovery Mode

To repair the startup disk on your Mac, you must first boot it into Recovery Mode. That’s because the startup disk cannot be repaired while it is being used by macOS. Follow the steps to boot your Mac into Recovery Mode for your respective Mac model below:

The steps for booting your Mac into Recovery Mode differ for Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs. If you’re unsure about your Mac’s processor, check the Apple Support Page.

On Apple Silicon Mac

To initiate Recovery Mode on an Apple Silicon Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your Mac and wait for it to power off fully.
  2. Press the Power button to restart your Mac.
macbook air touch id
  1. Keep holding down the Power button until the startup options page appears. Select Options.
click options on startup options page
  1. If prompted, provide your administrator password to log in to your user account.

On Intel-Based Mac

To initiate Recovery Mode on an Intel-powered Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your Mac and wait for it to power off fully.
  2. Press the Power button to start up your Mac.
macbook air touch id
  1. Immediately press and hold the Command ⌘ + R keys.
macbook air command r keys
  1. Keep holding both keys until the macOS Recovery screen appears.
macos recovery screen
  1. If prompted, provide your administrator password to log in to your user account.

Step 3: Select Your Disk and Run First Aid

Now that you have booted your Mac into Recovery Mode, you can start repairing your disk. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click Disk Utility on the macOS Recovery screen and tap Continue.
select disk utility from macos recovery screen
  1. Click the View icon in the top left corner and select Show All Devices from the drop-down menu.
click the view icon and select show all devices
  1. In the left-hand sidebar, you’ll see all connected disks, containers, and volumes on your Mac in a nested form. The order is Disk > Container > Volume, with each level nested inside the previous one.
disk container volumes in disk utility
  1. Select the volume, container, or disk you want to repair from the sidebar. Start with the bottom volume and work your way up before moving to the containers and the disk.
  2. Click the First Aid button at the top of Disk Utility.
select startup disk and click first aid
  1. Click Run on the pop-up window. You may be asked to enter your administrator password.
click run on the first aid prompt
  1. Wait for First Aid to complete, and then click Done. Repeat these steps for the next volume, container, or disk.
  2. After repairing all of the disks on your Mac, go to Apple > Restart from the menu bar and restart your Mac.
click the apple icon and select restart

What to Do After Running First Aid on Your Startup Disk

  1. If Disk Utility says your disk is fine or repaired, you’re all set. You can click Show Details for more information about the repair.
  2. If you see overlapped extent allocation errors, it means some files use the same space on your disk, which can cause problems. Look for these files in your disk’s DamagedFiles folder and try to replace or recreate them. If they’re important, open them to ensure they’re still working properly.
  3. If Disk Utility can’t fix the disk, try repairing it again. If it still fails, back up your data, reformat the disk, reinstall macOS, and restore your files from the backup.
  4. If the disk problems continue or the disk can’t be repaired, it might be physically damaged. In that case, consider getting the disk repaired or replaced.

Fix Disk Errors With Disk Utility on Mac

Keeping your Mac’s startup disk healthy is essential for your system to function properly. If you’re experiencing issues with your Mac, repair your startup disk as soon as possible. But if the Disk Utility doesn’t work, there are other ways to fix your Mac:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the startup disk on a Mac?

The startup disk on a Mac is the hard drive or solid-state drive containing the operating system. It’s where the Mac boots from when powered on, holding all essential system files and user data, making it a critical component for the Mac’s functionality.

Can I repair my Mac startup disk without losing my data?

Yes, you can repair your Mac startup disk without losing your data in most cases. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your data on macOS before attempting any repairs, just in case.

How often should I repair my Mac startup disk?

You should repair your Mac startup disk every few months to keep it healthy and prevent any performance issues. However, resort to disk repair only after trying easier solutions to optimize your Mac.

How long does it take to repair a Mac startup disk using Disk Utility?

Repairing a Mac startup disk using Disk Utility can take a few minutes to several hours. However, the exact time can vary depending on the size of the disk, the amount of data stored on the disk, the Mac’s speed, and the severity of the disk errors.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

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