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Nonvolatile random-access memory, or NVRAM, is a small amount of memory that your Mac uses to store and quickly access certain settings. PRAM (Parameter RAM) also stores similar information, and the steps to reset PRAM or NVRAM are the same.
Settings that can be saved in NVRAM include the sound volume, the display resolution, the choice of startup disk, the time zone, and information about the most recent kernel panic. The settings that are saved in NVRAM depend on your Mac and the other devices you use with it.
If you have problems with these settings or others, you might be able to fix them by resetting NVRAM. For example, you might need to reset NVRAM if your Mac starts up from a different disk than the one you chose in Startup Disk preferences or if a question mark icon briefly appears before your Mac starts up.
How to Reset PRAM or NVRAM
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn your Mac on.
- Immediately press and hold the command+option+P+R keys.
- Continue to hold the command+option+P+R keys for a minimum of 20 seconds; longer is fine but not necessary.
- After 20 seconds, you can release the keys.
- Your Mac will continue the startup process.
What is PRAM?
Random Access Memory, which is also called RAM, is something you may have heard of. Memory should not be confused with your computer’s storage (the space on its hard drive), because RAM is made up of chips that hold active programs and processes. When you open an app, you tell the computer to get it from the hard drive and put it in the RAM
RAM can also be used to keep track of how the system is set up. PRAM stands for “Parameter Random Access Memory.” It stores information about your computer’s startup disk, the resolution of your screen, the volume of your speakers, and other things. PRAM doesn’t reset like other types of RAM do when you turn off your computer. This is because a small battery is put in the computer that keeps the data even when the power is turned off.
what is NVRAM?
NVRAM is the new name for PRAM on Macs. It stands for Non-Volatile RAM. Since NVRAM is not volatile, the settings don’t change when the computer is turned off or disconnected from power. Resetting NVRAM or PRAM on a Mac is the same thing as far as fixing problems goes.
On PCs, a similar part called the CMOS is found on the motherboard. CMOS RAM also uses a small battery or power supply to store BIOS information when the computer is turned off. Users of PCs can learn how to manage their BIOS settings by going to the website of the company that makes the motherboard.
FAQs
In the instance that PRAM/NVRAM information has become corrupted, resetting the PRAM/NVRAM may be a necessary solution. Unless reset, your Mac may use the incorrect settings, behave abnormally, or not even start up!
NVRAM stores peripheral data such as volume, display resolution and brightness, startup-disk selection, and time settings. Resetting the NVRAM is a quick, easy, way to troubleshoot a misbehaving Mac—it doesn’t delete any data from your storage drive, and it doesn’t require any tools or repair experience.
Resetting the SMC restores the default settings related to low-level functions that you generally can’t modify in System Preferences. The SMC controls the power button response, battery management, sleep settings, thermal management, lighting settings and video source selection.