If your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is frozen, you can fix the problem in seconds and get back to work or watching Netflix.
Sometimes your MacBook may freeze and stop responding to keystrokes and/or touchpad at this point. If it becomes unresponsive, you’ll usually need to restart the device, but there are a few other methods to recover your MacBook from freezing.
In this guide, we’ll show you some quick and easy steps to take if your MacBook crashes while installing a macOS update or just using the device.
What to Do If Your MacBook Freezes
forced departure
The first step you need to take is known as force quitting. This will force any apps that cause your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro to stop working and allow you to continue using your computer normally.
Force quitting an unresponsive app will usually unfreeze a MacBook.
- Press the Command + Option + Escape keys on your keyboard at the same time.
- Select the unresponsive application.
- Click the “Force Quit” button to close the app.
If all your apps are working normally, proceed to the next steps.
Restart Your MacBook
Most of the time restarting your MacBook fixes the problem. When you restart your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, all processes will be closed and your device should return to its normal state.
- Press and hold the power button on your MacBook until it turns off.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn your MacBook back on.
If your MacBook keeps freezing regularly, here are a few more steps you can take.
Reset NVRAM
Non-Volatile Random Access Memory or NVRAM it stores certain settings on your MacBook and may cause your computer to freeze if not working properly. Resetting your MacBook’s NVRAM can help. Remember, this only works on Intel-based MacBook models.
- Use the power button to turn off your MacBook.
- Press the power button to turn your MacBook back on.
- Press and hold Command + Option + P + R keys together as you start up.
- Keep holding the keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
- Release the keys and let your MacBook start normally.
If your MacBook is still unresponsive, try resetting the SMC.
reset SMC
The System Management Controller (SMC) manages hardware functions on your MacBook, such as the fan and battery. If it’s not working properly, your MacBook may become unresponsive to clicks and swipes.
- Use the power button to turn off your MacBook.
- Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys and the power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and the power button.
- Press the power button to turn your MacBook back on.
If you have a MacBook Pro or Air apple siliconSimply restart your device.
Booting in Safe Mode
You can also try starting your MacBook in Safe Mode. This disables third-party extensions and processes to help you quickly figure out what’s causing your MacBook to freeze.
- Use the power button to turn off your MacBook.
- Press the power button to turn your MacBook back on.
- Press and hold the Shift key as soon as you hear the device booting sound.
- Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo.
In Safe Mode, try opening any app or process that you think might be causing your MacBook to freeze. If your computer freezes, you may need to install an update for the application or uninstall the application from your device.
MacBook Freezes During Software Update
If your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air freezes while installing a software update, you may need to take some additional steps.
If your MacBook freezes during a software update, here’s what to do.
Installing macOS updates can take some time, especially when switching from one operating system to another, but sometimes the process can get stuck. The screen will likely look like the image above. If this happens, do the following.
- Use the power button to turn off your MacBook.
- Turn your MacBook back on.
If you’re still having problems with the update, turn off your MacBook again, and then unplug any accessories connected to the device. It could be a driver or a printer. Open it again.
If it still doesn’t work, you may need to repair your startup disk or reinstall macOS from: macOS Recovery.
