Open Directory, as both root and user, reports that safe boot is enabled, and is likely to change its behaviour as a result. For example, after user login, the following appears in the log: While standard system LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons appear to be run as normal, third-party items seem to be blocked completely. However, all those kernel extensions in the main Kernel Collection appear to be loaded normally.Īpple doesn’t explain this in the Help information. Library/Apple/System/Library/Extensions/AppleKextExcludeList.kext

Among those are the following, which aren’t loaded until after the user has logged in: It also manages some of the standard macOS kernel extensions differently, and some may not be loaded. Kernelmanagerd safe boot: Not loading auxkc It doesn’t load any of the kernel extensions in the Auxiliary Kernel Collection (AKC), reporting: The kernel extension manager kernelmanagerd behaves quite differently during safe boot. If you want your volumes checked properly using fsck, you’ll have to start up in Recovery mode and use Disk Utility, or fsck_apfs in Terminal.ĭoes safe mode block some kernel extensions? There’s no evidence in the Unified log that any volumes are checked using fsck, and the fsck_apfs log only reports the same quick checks being made as in a regular startup.Īpple’s current Help information is thus at best misleading. Apple stopped doing that in Catalina, and hasn’t reinstated it in Monterey either.

In macOS Mojave, starting up in safe mode caused a full check of mounted volumes using fsck, which checks all snapshots too, so could result in extremely long startup times. From there, select the startup disk, hold the Shift key, and the button which appears below that disk will change to offer it as the safe mode boot disk. M1 Macs can’t be started up in safe mode using a key combination as Intel models are: the Mac first has to be started in Recovery mode by holding the Power button during startup. This article explains what really does happen when you start an M1 Mac, specifically an M1 Pro running macOS 12.1, in safe mode. Your Mac may take longer to start up because of the check.” When you start up in safe mode, your Mac prevents some software, such as startup items, from loading, and it performs a check of your startup disk. “Safe mode may help you resolve or isolate problems that you’re having with your Mac. Here’s what is recorded in the Monterey User Guide:

Apple gives precious little detail about what happens when you start your Mac up in safe mode.

How to turn on macbook pro in safe mode