If you think your Mac might have a hardware issue, you can use Apple Diagnostics to help determine which hardware component might be at fault. Apple Diagnostics also suggests solutions and helps you contact Apple Support for assistance.
Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on Continuebutton. When Disk Utility loads select the topmost (out-dented entry, usually disk ID and maker) from the Device list. Click on the Eraseicon in Disk Utility's main window. A panel will drop down.
Prepare your Mac
All hail Disk Utility, the troubleshooter's friend The macOS Disk Utility is a handy tool for troubleshooting and repairing your iMac's drive — you can use it to check the format and health of both drives and volumes (and automatically correct any problems). You can find Disk Utility in the Utilities. The Apple One free trial includes only services that you are not currently using through a free trial or a subscription. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply. $4.99/month after free trial. Applications use key combinations as shortcuts to help you work faster. Many shortcuts are common to all Mac OS X applications, such as Command-S for Save and Command-P for Print. You can use these.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, display, Ethernet connection (if applicable), and connection to AC power.
- Make sure that your Mac is on a hard, flat, stable surface with good ventilation.
Start Apple Diagnostics
Determine whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon, then follow the appropriate steps:
Apple silicon
- Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button as your Mac starts up.
- Release when you see the startup options window, which includes a gear icon labeled Options.
- Press Command (⌘)-D on your keyboard.
Intel processor
- Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold the D key on your keyboard as your Mac starts up.
- Release when you see a progress bar or you're asked to choose a language.
View the test results
Apple Diagnostics shows a progress bar while it's checking your Mac:
When testing is complete, Apple Diagnostics shows the results, including one or more reference codes. Learn about Apple Diagnostics reference codes.
To repeat the test, click 'Run the test again' or press Command-R.
To restart your Mac, click Restart or press R.
Mac create volume. To shut down, click Shut Down or press S.
To get information about your service and support options, make sure that your Mac is connected to the internet, then click 'Get started' or press Command-G. Your Mac will restart to a webpage with more information. When you're done, choose Restart or Shut Down from the Apple menu.
Learn more
On an Intel-based Mac, if you can't start Apple Diagnostics with the D key, try these solutions:
- Press and hold Option-D at startup to use Apple Diagnostics over the internet.
- Make sure that your Mac isn't using a firmware password.
Last updated November 30, 2020
All About Mac Utilities
In order for your computer to run smoothly, you need more than just a good configuration. No matter how good the components are and how new, fast and powerful your computer is when you first purchase it, it's not going to stay like that forever.
Just like with any other item, computers also need a lot of maintenance, in order to keep running at their best capacity.
After years of wear out, browsing the Internet, endlessly installing and uninstalling programs, moving around files and folders, downloading stuff and so on, you will notice the effects. Your system will get slower and less efficient with time. That's where utility software springs into action.
Utility software is a program/app that helps your computer work better. There are a lot of types of utility software, depending on what part of your computer it focuses on: the operating system, data storage, hardware and so on. There are apps that clean up your junk files from your Mac and free up the space on your hard drive. Others may detect apps that are running unnecessary in the background, slowing down your system and help you optimize it. There are programs that detect malware, viruses, bloatware and so on, that help you recover lost data or protect sensitive information. The list goes on…
All computers usually come with built-in utility tools and Macs make no exception. Some examples are: Console, Disk Utility, AirPort Utility, Keychain Access, Activity Monitor and others.
But these integrated tools are not always as efficient as utility software developed by third-parties. However, you shouldn't expect miracles from any program. Although you will experience an increase in performance after using them, none of them has the ability to make your computer behave like it is brand new again.
Here are some of the most common types of utility software:
- Antivirus utilities
- Disk cleaners
- Disk cloning utilities
- Backup utilities
- Cryptographic utilities (they let you encrypt files and folders for increased protection)
- Memory testers
- System monitors (they monitor the performance and resources)
- Network utilities
Mac Utilities - What to Look For
There are a lot of apps out there that claim they can boost your Mac's performance. While some of them can be tested for free and don't cost you anything, a lot of them are paid apps, so you should be careful what you pay for.
You should always try the free apps first and only if they prove to be worthless, go for the paid ones. Also, the good news is that most of the paid apps also have trial versions, so you can test the product before you buy.
When looking for utility apps for your Mac, you can either install specific apps that can perform specific tasks: cleaning apps, data recovery apps, encryption apps, backup apps, security apps and so on, or choose a suite that incorporates all of them.
No matter which option you choose, you should pay attention to some essential aspects when searching for the right utility app. The most important ones are:
- cost vs. quality
- features
- ease of use
- performance
- how the customer support is for that specific app
- security
Disk Utility Mac
Here are some of the best choices we could find:
Mac backup software:Mac All In One Models
Data Backup, Carbon Copy Cloner, Acronis True Image, SuperDuper, ChronoSync
Mac recovery software:EaseUS, Stellar Phoenix, Prosoft Data Rescue, Disk Drill Pro, Wondershare, Cisdem DataRecovery
Mac encryption software:Utilities On Mac
Best document editor for mac. Concealar, Hider 2, Espionage 3, MacKeeper, Data Guardian 3
'All-in-one' Mac utility software:MacKeeper, OnyX, iDoctor, Data Rescue 3, Stellar Drive ToolBox
